By Obinwa Chikaodili
The Anambra State Urban Water Assets Holding Corporation (ASUWAHC) has on August 13, moved to strengthen security around its water infrastructure in Onitsha following the theft of armoured cables powering the solar installation at the Crash Programme Component, Owelle Ebo, Inland Town, Onitsha.
The incident was discovered during a facility assessment tour led by the Zonal Head of ASUWAHC Onitsha Zone, Engr. Francis Udoh, as part of the corporation’s ongoing efforts, under the directives of its Officer-in-Charge, Mrs. Emmanuella N. Okafor, to monitor the condition and operational status of water facilities within the zone. The facility is contracted to Ovamann Pumps Ltd.
On arrival, the inspection team confirmed that armoured cables supplying power to the solar-powered water system had been stolen by unknown persons, temporarily disrupting power supply to the installation and raising concerns over its potential impact on water production and service delivery within the area.
Following the discovery, Engr. Udoh directed the representative of Ovamann Pumps Ltd, Engr. Daniel Udokwu, to immediately deploy trained security personnel to the facility and take measures to prevent further vandalism.
To strengthen the security arrangement, Engr. Udoh also held a strategic engagement with one of the zonal commanders of SASA, Onitsha, Mr. Henry Ezeani (Okosisi). The discussion centred on increased surveillance, intensified night patrols and intelligence sharing to protect ASUWAHC facilities and deter further attacks.
The Zonal Head condemned the vandalism and stressed the need for contractors, security agencies and host communities to work together in protecting public water infrastructure, noting that the theft of critical components could result in additional costs and delay the restoration of affected facilities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting public water infrastructure, particularly facilities critical to the delivery of essential services. ASUWAHC will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to safeguard its assets and ensure that water infrastructure remains available to meet the needs and aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
Obinwa Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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