| The Enugu State Government’s commitment of providing potable pipe-borne water to Enugu residents within 180 days of its inauguration was a pivotal pledge that held immense significance for the well-being and livelihoods of Enugu residents, eliciting widespread anticipation and optimism for positive change.
So far, the state Governor, in keeping to his words has successfully addressed the issue of water production by rehabilitating, upgrading and commissioning the Ninth Mile Water Scheme, which was abandoned for over 20 years. With an improved water supply capacity of 70 million liters of water per day, the rehabilitated scheme is set to meet the water demands of most residents of Enugu Metropolis. The government has further commenced works to rehabilitate the Oji River Water Scheme which has a water supply capacity of 50 million liters per day, so as to augment and boost water supply across the state. In addition to these interventions, the state government has further demonstrated a strong political will to address the water poverty situation in Enugu State by prioritizing ‘water supply’ in its 2024 budget and launching the Enugu Water Sector Law, 2021, which recognizes access to water as a human right.
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Whilst commending these laudable developments, NEWARI opines that a sustainable solution to the perennial water poverty challenge in Enugu state will only be feasible with efficient regulation and standardization of services in the water and sanitation sector of the state. This will ensure the gains currently being made in the sector are not eroded.
With this common vision, NEWARI and WASHFID (WASH for Impact and Development) partnered with the Enugu State Government to organize a Policy Dialogue Session on effective implementation of the state Water Sector Law, 2021, with the aim of facilitating the establishment of Enugu State Water Regulatory Commission (ESWRC) that will ensure effective regulation and governance of the water sector, in line with provisions of the Enugu Water Sector Law, 2021.
The program brought together critical stakeholders from WASH-focused grassroots organizations, development partners (WaterAid and UNICEF), media partners, Office of Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Water Resources and relevant state government ministries, departments and agencies such as; the ministries of Water Resources, Health, Environment, Justice, Education, Budget and Planning, Ministry of Local Government Matters, Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA), Enugu State Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENSTOWA); and other relevant stakeholders.
At the end of the very engaging policy dialogue session, the participants came up with key recommendations to support the effort of government in establishing, operationalizing and sustaining the Enugu State Water Regulatory Commission. The recommendations, which were categorized into two to delineate responsibilities and actions of Government and the Civil Society Actors, include:
For Government:
- Make adequate budgetary provisions for Enugu State Water Regulatory Commission in the state budget
- Ensure and commit to the autonomy of the Regulatory Commission
- Prioritize the establishment and enforcement of standards for services in the sector by the Enugu State Water Regulatory Commission
- Institutional Strengthening: Support regular capacity building of staff on roles and functions of the ESWRC
- Support knowledge exchange fair between ESWRC and other states’ water regulatory commissions
- Facilitate partnership between the ESWRC and the state/local security institutions/networks to enhance security of water supply infrastructures across the state
- Encourage consistent consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure a pro-poor tariff system
- Institutionalize ESWRC in all Local Governments through partnership with the LGA WASH departments.
For Civil Society Organizations:
- Follow-up and monitor operations of the ESWRC
- Collaborate with ESWRC to host conferences and knowledge exchange fairs
- Provide technical support on capacity development within the commission
- Facilitate and support public sensitization on operations of ESWRC
- Support the establishment of Water Consumers Association (WCA) that will regularly interface with the ESWRC for inclusive development.
These recommendations were validated by all participants and shared with the Enugu State Government for cogent action.
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Awesome recommendations