By Azuka Offor
Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu has unveiled an ambitious 2026 development agenda aimed at expanding access to electricity and potable water across underserved communities in the state, while also strengthening fire service operations.
The commissioner disclosed this during a strategic budget review meeting with the management team of the ministry held in his office, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to improving critical infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life of Ndi Anambra.
Speaking at the meeting, Engr. Agummadu described electricity as a key driver of economic growth, business development and social progress, stressing that stable power supply remains fundamental to sustainable development.
“Once you install electricity in a community, you have solved about 50 per cent of its problems,” he said.
According to him, the ministry has concluded plans to extend electricity to underserved and vulnerable communities in Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum, Awka North, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas.
He revealed that solar mini-grid systems would be deployed in strategic public institutions and government facilities, including the Women Development Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Fire Service stations, Kenneth Dike Library and St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka.
As part of efforts to improve security and stimulate economic activities, the commissioner said the ministry would embark on extensive solar streetlight projects across major urban centres such as Umunze, Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Aguleri and Ihiala among others.
Agummadu emphasized the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with relevant organisations and stakeholders to address power challenges, ensuring improved electricity supply across the state.
On water resources, the commissioner said that the ministry remains fully aligned with the vision of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to achieve universal, sustainable and affordable access to potable water for all residents by 2027.
He noted that the administration is working towards transitioning communities from water scarcity to regular and uninterrupted water supply through strategic investments in water infrastructure.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve water services, Agummadu recently inspected the Greater Onitsha Water Scheme Terminal Reservoir at Army Barracks, the Greater Onitsha Water Scheme Crash Programme and the Amuko-Uruagu Nnewi Water Scheme in Nnewi North Local Government Area to assess progress and evaluate operational effectiveness.
The commissioner disclosed that communities major markets and public places across the state have been mapped out for the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, including public toilet systems, as part of the state’s drive to become open-defecation-free by 2027.
He added that the ministry plans to procure drilling machines and other critical equipment to improve operational efficiency and expand access to potable water in more communities.
Addressing issues affecting the Fire Service Department, Agummadu pledged to provide new uniforms for personnel, install modern firefighting equipment, undertake regular maintenance of fire trucks and operational vehicles and improve the infrastructure of fire stations through fencing and landscaping projects.
He also announced plans for the construction of additional fire stations and the recruitment of more firefighters and drivers to strengthen emergency response capabilities across the state.
The commissioner urged heads of departments and management staff to remain proactive, innovative and committed to service delivery by introducing ideas that would enhance the ministry’s performance and accelerate development.
He stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving the ministry’s goals.
“The ministry will perform better if we work together as one family and collectively contribute our knowledge, experience and expertise towards moving the ministry forward,” he said.
Agummadu assured that all projects under the ministry would be strategically located in areas of greatest need to ensure equitable development and maximum impact across Anambra State.
The 2026 agenda, he noted, reflects the ministry’s determination to expand access to essential services, strengthen public infrastructure and support the Soludo administration’s vision of a livable, prosperous and sustainable Anambra.
Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
