By Azuka Offor
It is yet another giant feat in the ongoing infrastructure rejuvenation under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, as the people of Akwu Ukwu in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State received a newly rehabilitated solar-powered borehole. The project, aimed at improving water supply in the community, was officially handed over by the Anambra State Ministry of Power and Water Resources over the week.
The rehabilitation of the Akwu Ukwu Small-town Water Solar system forms part of the broader mission by Governor Soludo’s government to ensure access to clean and potable water across the state. This initiative is in line with the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and the fulfillment of its manifesto promises.
Speaking during the technical handover, the President General of Akwu Ukwu, Sir Udoka Ejiako, expressed the community’s deep gratitude to the Governor Soludo-led Anambra State government, for the project. He praised the Soludo Administration for its continuous efforts in bringing development to the grassroots, citing the rehabilitation of the borehole as a crucial intervention.
Sir Udoka also commended the Governor for appointing a native of the community, Mr. Don Onyenji, as the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, which he noted, had also helped attract many other dividends of democracy to their community and the Idemili area at large.
“We are extremely happy with this project, and we promise to support Soludo’s administration in all its endeavors, including the upcoming local government elections. We will also take every necessary measure to secure and sustain this vital water project,” Sir Udoka stated.
Earlier speaking, the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, who noted that Governor Soludo is very intentional about transformation of water sector and general infrastructural development across the state, also reiterated the importance of community involvement in sustaining government projects.
Commissioner Chukwuemeka, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Victor Ezekwo, explained that the solar-powered borehole is part of the Soludo-led administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model, which encourages active participation by the public, private sectors, and local communities in the management of public resources. Sir Ezekwo charged the community to take ownership of the project, manage it responsibly, and ensure its longevity.
Also speaking, a prominent indigene of the community and Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, expressed his appreciation for Governor Soludo’s far-reaching efforts in water, healthcare, education, and other sectors.
He lauded the Governor’s focus on reviving major water schemes across the state to make water more accessible to all residents; and further emphasized the life-changing impact of clean water; even as he promised that Akwu Ukwu would remain committed to supporting the state government’s vision.
On his own part, the contractor handling for the project, I.I.C Construction Company Limited, also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the state government for entrusting them with the execution of the borehole rehabilitation. The company’s representative assured the community of their continued support and readiness to assist whenever necessary to ensure the borehole remains fully functional.
Also present during the handover ceremony were notable figures, including the Director of Water Resources in the State Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr. Nwosu Tochukwu; the Vice President of the community, Chief Ifemeka Nwagu, among others.
The signing of the handover documents by the stakeholders marked the highlight of the event, sealing the transfer of the project into the hands of the community for its safe keeping and optimal use.
