by Willy Okonji-
Onitsha, Nigeria – After years of neglect, clean water is once again flowing in Onitsha, thanks to Governor Charles Soludo’s decisive action to revive the city’s water scheme. By reinstating the Onitsha Water Board, his administration is tackling a long-standing infrastructure failure that had left residents without a reliable supply for decades.
The restoration effort is already making a difference, with water reaching several parts of the city, and plans underway to expand coverage across Onitsha. This marks a significant turnaround for a project that has suffered setbacks under multiple administrations.
The Onitsha water scheme was first abandoned under Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, triggering a gradual collapse of services. Governor Chris Ngige made some progress in reviving the system, but his efforts were short-lived. The situation worsened under Governor Peter Obi, who completely scrapped the initiative, dismissed workers, and sold off key assets—including land tied to the project. His decision sparked legal battles, as affected workers sued the government over their abrupt termination.
Governor Willie Obiano’s tenure brought little improvement, leaving the project in limbo. However, Governor Soludo has taken a different approach. Engaging with former employees, he successfully negotiated the withdrawal of legal cases and provided long-overdue compensation to those affected, including payments to the families of deceased workers. In a further step towards recovery, he reinstated surviving employees and reclaimed some of the assets previously sold off.
This revitalization effort aligns with Soludo’s broader vision to enhance infrastructure and public services in Anambra State. Onitsha residents have welcomed the renewed water supply with optimism, seeing it as a sign of effective governance and a step towards a more functional city.
As the Onitsha Water Corporation resumes full operations, Soludo’s intervention is expected to not only ease the struggles of residents but also pave the way for long-term water management solutions in the region.
