By Obinwa Chikaodili
The Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC) has issued warning letters and abatement notices to individuals encroaching on water pipeline corridors in Otuocha to protect public infrastructure and prevent disruptions to water supply.
The notices followed a routine inspection of the Otuocha Regional Water Scheme on Oct. 13, led by the scheme’s Head, Engr. Bartholomew Eziamaka Ekpenye.
The inspection covered the scheme’s administrative building, pump house and other facilities, as well as the storage tank at Ugwundiuka, Aguleri, and selected sections of the distribution network.
During the exercise, the team identified encroachment on designated pipeline rights of way as a major challenge, noting that unauthorised occupation of the corridors could obstruct maintenance, damage pipelines and disrupt water distribution.
Affected individuals were served warning letters and abatement notices, while follow up inspections are planned to ensure compliance.
The team also visited selected public water fetching points, where residents were seen collecting water and expressed satisfaction with its availability.
The inspection report described the performance of Zamic Ventures Ltd., the scheme’s operating vendor, as generally satisfactory.
However, reports of communal clashes prevented the team from extending the inspection to Umuoba Anam and Umueri. The team suspended movement to the affected areas to safeguard personnel, with the outstanding inspections to be rescheduled when security conditions improve.
The corporation’s Officer-in-Charge, Mrs Emmanuella Nneka Okafor, said ASUWAHC would sustain enforcement efforts against pipeline encroachment to protect water infrastructure, minimise damage and reduce disruptions to supply in Otuocha and neighbouring communities.
Obinwa Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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