When Governor Peter Mbah assumed office in Enugu State in May 2023, he made a bold promise to the people of the state that struck a chord with residents struggling through a crippling water crisis. “Within 180 days, Enugu will have access to potable water,” Mbah declared in one of his first public addresses, outlining an ambitious plan to tackle the state’s long-standing water scarcity.
This declaration, made in the early days of his administration, was met with hope and optimism — hopes that Enugu’s many water-starved residents would soon have a reliable source of clean water, something that had eluded them for more than a decade.
Yet, over 2 yearS into his tenure, these promises remain unfulfilled, and the people of Enugu find themselves waiting in vain, caught in a cycle of false hope and growing despair.
A Decade of Despair
Enugu has faced a severe water scarcity for over a decade, with many of its citizens forced to rely on unsanitary wells, streams, or private water vendors for their daily needs. The infrastructure that once supplied clean water to Enugu City and its surrounding areas has deteriorated over the years, and despite efforts by various administrations, there has been little progress in resolving the crisis.
Governor Mbah’s promise to resolve this issue within 180 days was met with cautious optimism, as it represented a break from the pattern of broken promises that had plagued the state. His plan included rehabilitating water treatment plants, repairing aging pipelines, and investing in water distribution systems.
However, nearly a year after his promise, there is no significant improvement — no new treatment plants, no widespread water supply, and no clear accountability.
The Reality of Broken Promises
Enugu’s residents, once hopeful, are now growing frustrated and disillusioned. In neighborhoods across Enugu City and its rural outskirts, families still face the daily challenge of securing water, often at great cost.
The most vulnerable citizens, especially in the poorer areas, have no choice but to depend on private vendors who charge exorbitant rates for water that may not even meet basic hygiene standards.
“I’m still waiting for the water,” said Nnena Eze, a mother of three in the Abakpa Nike area. “The governor promised us clean water, but here we are, fetching water from dirty sources every day. It’s heartbreaking. We have lost hope.”
Such sentiments echo throughout Enugu, where the water crisis is not just an inconvenience — it is a matter of survival. The people’s frustration is compounded by the growing realization that Mbah’s promises are nothing more than words, and Enugu’s future continues to hang in the balance.
The Hype and the Disappointment
Governor Mbah, like many before him, has been adept at orchestrating media-friendly events. His administration has frequently publicized plans and inspections of water projects, holding photo ops that make for great headlines but yield little in the way of real change. The promised 180-day deadline has come and gone, yet the only evidence of progress has been reports of bureaucratic activity and budget allocations — things that look good on paper but have failed to translate into tangible results for the people of Enugu.
Such media-driven performances may serve the political narrative, but for the people of Enugu, they are a cruel reminder that their suffering is being ignored. Governor Mbah’s administration has been characterized more by its communication efforts than by its ability to deliver on promises. The public is left to wonder whether the real problem lies in the lack of political will or in the absence of a coherent, long-term strategy to fix the state’s water infrastructure.
The Need for Urgent Action
The water crisis in Enugu is not just about inconvenience; it is a matter of public health. Without access to clean water, the residents of Enugu are at constant risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
These diseases continue to plague communities, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Governor Mbah must take immediate, substantive action to address this crisis. The state’s aging water treatment plants must be overhauled, and new infrastructure must be built. The government must invest in sustainable water distribution systems that will ensure a reliable supply of clean water to every citizen, not just the wealthy few.
Moreover, the people of Enugu must hold their leaders accountable. Civic engagement is crucial. Residents cannot afford to sit back and hope that their problems will be solved by an administration that has so far proven unable to deliver.
Local communities, civil society organizations, and activists must rally together to demand action and ensure that the governor’s promises are not forgotten.
A Final Word: A Crisis That Cannot Wait
The people of Enugu deserve better. Water is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human right. Enugu’s residents should not have to wait years for a basic necessity that is within the government’s power to provide. The failure to deliver clean water is not just an administrative oversight; it is a profound injustice that cannot be allowed to stand.
Governor Mbah must rise to the occasion and prioritize the welfare of the people above political theater and photo opportunities. The clock is ticking, and every day without action is another day that the residents of Enugu continue to suffer.
Water is life, but for the people of Enugu, that life remains just out of reach.
