The Enugu State Government has secured a landmark $100 million partnership with Austrian firm WANDE NEXUS to overhaul the state’s water infrastructure, aiming to provide sustainable and equitable access to water for all residents.
The agreement, formalized on December 2 at the Government House, marks a significant step in the state’s development strategy and was attended by Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger.
Governor Peter Mbah described the partnership as a transformative milestone for the state, showcasing his administration’s success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to drive essential infrastructure improvements. “This $100 million investment addresses critical last-mile connectivity issues in our water system,” Mbah said. He emphasized that the agreement is not just a proposal, but a definitive plan for implementation, with funding already allocated. Mbah highlighted the substantial progress already made in water production under his leadership, noting that output has increased from two million liters per day to 120 million liters. However, he acknowledged that distribution remains a challenge, particularly in expanding the network to ensure that every home has reliable access to clean water.
“This agreement will solve our downstream water issues, ensuring that every home has access to clean, reliable water,” Mbah added, underscoring the project’s importance for improving public health and quality of life in Enugu.
Ambassador Schlesinger praised the governor’s vision, commending his commitment to modernizing public utilities and improving the state’s infrastructure. “Governor Mbah’s dedication to transforming Enugu’s water systems is exemplary,” Schlesinger said. He also acknowledged the productive relationship between Enugu and Austria, noting the governor’s meetings with Austrian officials in Vienna that helped pave the way for the investment.
Chairman of WANDE NEXUS Group Ugochukwu Ugbor, praised the conducive investment climate created by the Mbah administration, which encouraged the firm to invest in the project. “This initiative will create 500 direct jobs, enhance human capital in water management, and significantly improve health outcomes and economic opportunities for Enugu residents,” Ugbor stated.
The project will implement Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) using advanced technology to improve efficiency and expand access. This approach will not only address the immediate water supply challenges but will also set the foundation for long-term improvements in Enugu’s public utilities.
Governor Mbah’s administration has placed infrastructure development at the forefront of its strategy to position Enugu as a model of sustainable growth. The collaboration with WANDE NEXUS is a key component of this vision, with anticipated benefits across health, economic, and social sectors.
This partnership signals Enugu’s growing attractiveness to international investors and highlights the potential of public-private partnerships to drive transformative development in Nigeria.
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