Gov Mbah, French Ambassador Flag Off 14.5km High-Capacity Water Pipeline

Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Mbah and France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, have flagged off the construction of a 14.5-kilometre high-capacity water transmission pipeline from Nsude to the Terminal Reservoir at Miliken Hill. The project is set to boost potable water supply across Enugu metropolis. It forms part of ongoing efforts to fix long-standing shortages that have forced many residents to rely on boreholes and water vendors.

NaijaChoice News reports that the French Development Agency, AFD, is backing the initiative under the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Programme. Nigerian and French firms will handle design and construction, with emphasis on skills transfer to local engineers. The move aligns with AFD’s decade-long support for urban water projects across Nigeria, which has totalled over $340 million.

Governor Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof Chidiebere Onyia, described the pipeline as a permanent fix to the state’s water crisis. “For too long, access to clean water has been a challenge. But we are currently changing that story permanently,” he said. The governor stressed that reliable supply would reach homes, businesses and institutions more efficiently.

Beyond pipes and pumps, the project targets public health and economic growth. Officials say it will cut waterborne diseases and restore dignity for residents who have struggled for years. It also supports Mbah’s broader promise of sustainable infrastructure that drives development.

Ambassador Fonbaustier hailed the partnership as a model of Franco-Nigerian cooperation. He noted that French expertise and funding are combining with local capacity to deliver quality results. The envoy praised Mbah’s result-oriented style, pointing to rapid progress in roads, railways and aviation.

Fonbaustier singled out the governor’s push for Enugu Air and the concession of Enugu International Airport as standout achievements. “You are a transformer and an entrepreneur,” he said. He expressed France’s readiness to expand ties into education, agriculture, agro-industrialisation and culture.

The ceremony reinforced commitments on both sides to deeper collaboration. Enugu State has already shown strong ownership of the water reform agenda, building on earlier AFD-backed phases that targeted improved access for over 130,000 people in the capital. Residents expect the new pipeline to ease pressure on the existing network and attract more investment.

This latest milestone fits into Governor Mbah’s larger vision of turning Enugu into a modern, service-driven state. With the pipeline construction now underway, the focus shifts to timely delivery and measurable impact on daily lives.