By Nonyelum Ezumezu
The Anambra State Government, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is intensifying efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation through the revival of regional water schemes and the construction of public toilet facilities across the state.
As part of the initiative, the government is reviving long-abandoned regional water schemes in Onitsha, Awka, and Otuocha. The objective is to restore pipe-borne water supply to homes, schools and public institutions while drilling solar-powered boreholes in rural communities with limited access to potable water.
The government has also extended clean water interventions to primary healthcare centres and public schools through the installation of boreholes and overhead water tanks. These measures are aimed at reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases and ensuring that pupils, patients, and healthcare workers have access to safe drinking water.
In addition, major gully erosion sites in communities such as Agulu and Nanka are being addressed, while drainage channels are being desilted ahead of the rainy season. These interventions are expected to help control flooding and protect groundwater sources and streams relied upon by many communities.
To strengthen waste management and environmental sanitation, the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) has been re-equipped with additional trucks and personnel to improve waste evacuation in urban centres including Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi. The initiative is intended to prevent refuse from blocking drainage systems and contributing to flooding.
As part of broader sanitation measures, new public toilet facilities have been constructed in markets and motor parks to discourage open defecation and improve hygiene standards in public spaces.
The Office of the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has continued to promote hygiene awareness through community advocacy programmes focused on handwashing, proper waste disposal, and healthy sanitation practices.
To ensure sustainability, the state government is establishing community water committees to oversee the management of local boreholes and collect modest maintenance fees for the upkeep of the facilities.
These combined interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to improving public health, enhancing environmental sanitation, and expanding access to safe water for residents across Anambra State.
Nonyelum Ezumezu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
