The administration of Former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani established the Obeagu Ugwuaji Autonomous Community in 2002/2003. It is situated in Enugu State’s Enugu South Local Government Area.
Apart from being famous for housing the South East Power Transmission Station, Ugwuaji also serves as the city of Enugu’s official disposal for solid waste and sewage. Two streams, Afa and Ine, served as the primary sources of water for the settlement. Unfortunately, untreated run-off waste from the dumpsite has contaminated these waterways, exposing the people of Ugwuaji to a number of preventable water-borne illnesses. The community’s relatively few rich individuals purchase water from water tankers for their domestic requirements.
The water had been contaminated with chemicals and waste that was dumped on the waterway. Ingesting waste and chemical pollutants including pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals can result in major health issues.
Because the water supply at the Obeagu Ugwuayi Community was not adequately tested and treated, residents there experienced water contamination. Rashes, hair loss, and itching skin were all brought on by the tainted water. Children who drank the water saw a twofold increase in blood levels of lead. Those who consume chemical contaminants from their water run the risk of developing: Cancer, hormone imbalance, changed brain activity, harm to the reproductive and immunological systems, difficulties with the kidneys and the heart.
Additionally, swimming in tainted water might cause: rashes, red eye, respiratory illnesses, hepatitis etc.
Chief Boniface Ani, 59, also known as the “Onowu,” is the spokesperson for the local community’s traditional leaders. A father of six and aspiring farmer, he expressed his gratitude and delight for the intervention’s borehole construction.
In his quote he said:
“Water has caused us a great deal of suffering. The fortunate members of our community relied on water tankers from 9th mile before the building of these boreholes, while those who could not afford the astronomical expense of water tankers were left with no choice but to continue daily treks to the Afa and Ine streams in order to obtain water. The streams served as our sole source of water supply for more than 40 years. At first, the water obtained from the streams was pure, but as the city of Enugu developed, many drainages and soakaway pits made their way to the water source, contaminating it. A 500 gallon Geepee water tank holds enough water for around two weeks and costs NGN 4,000 to fill. The entire village is joyful right now since this initiative has given our family relief, especially the women and kids.”
Hon. The Obeagu Ugwuaji Autonomous Community’s councillor and chairman of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) is Okey Innocent Ani. The 59-year-old businessman and father of seven kids could not contain his happiness at the changes that clean water had made possible in his neighborhood.
“Since I’ve served as a councillor for the Obeagu Ugwuaji Autonomous Community, there has never been an intervention of this size and significance. You can tell how much it means to the people by the joy on their cheeks after years of suffering from a shortage of potable water. It really does help a lot.”
