Ebonyi Water Corporation workers abandon project site

THE crisis rocking the Ezza-Ezillo community in Ebonyi has forced the staff of the state water corporation to abandon the water scheme site in Ezillo.Mr. Osmond Igwe, the general manager of the corporation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abakaliki that the situation was responsible for the present water scarcity in the state.'The staff of the corporation assigned to the Ezillo water scheme have fled from the area for fear of being attacked by hoodlums.'This is the reason for the present water scarcity plaguing the state and not the destruction of the corporation's facilities as being insinuated in several quarters.'Igwe expressed regret that the water scheme, which generates 45,000 cubic metres of water daily, was no longer functional due to the crisis.'We want to, however, assure the citizens that the water scheme will be fully operational as soon as peace returns to the community.'Anyone who experiences the sort of shooting spree and the general trauma among the staff during the crisis will not advise them to go back to work.'Some prominent citizens of the state whose relatives work there told me not to send them back till the situation normalises.'Igwe said that the staff had even sworn not to go back there even at the expense of their jobs.'Honestly, I don't have any moral justification to tell anybody to go back there unless I will go there with the person.'The general manager said that in spite of the heavy security presence in the area, the workers' safety could still not be fully guaranteed.'The return of peace to the area is beyond my knowledge, as there are still sights of bullet perforations on buildings, which creates general apprehension among the people.'Igwe, however, said that the corporation was doing its best to restore normal water supply to the citizens inspite of the problem.'We have procured two new service pumps and have commenced the increase of output from the old water station in Abakaliki.'This might not be sufficient for everyone but the perimeter of service will be pegged to about 10,000 cubic metres of water per day.'Igwe noted that the Oferekpe water scheme embarked upon by the government was nearing completion and added that it would ensure adequate supply of water in the state.'The government has released N1.5 billion for the purchase of electro-mechanical equipment that will ensure the flow of water to different parts of the state.
Click here to read full news..