Enugu Gov’t Reads Riot Act To Water Facility Vandals

Those behind wanton destruction of water facilities fixed for provision of potable water to residents of Enugu metropolis will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Recall that Gov Peter Mbah had during his campaign promised to end the perennial water scarcity in Enugu metropolis within 180 days of his assumption of office.

His promise was substantially fulfilled.

However, the activities of miscreants are militating against the success of the governor’s water scheme initiative.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, in a release on Wednesday, warned water facility vandals in the state to have a change of heart or be ready to face the full weight of the law.

He stated that, “The government of Enugu State has observed with dismay acts of sponsored and deliberate vandalism and wanton destruction of government water facilities and other critical infrastructure by some unpatriotic elements in the state.

“The incessant attacks on water infrastructure such as destruction of water galleries, electrical fittings on solar lights attached to water facilities, damage of both high pressure and distribution pipes by these hoodlums have denied many of the innocent citizens of the state access to potable water with a huge cost on the government for replacement.”

Describing the act as “causing untold hardship on our innocent citizens”, Onyia said such acts would henceforth be regarded “as an act of terrorism with dire consequences on those engaging in the criminal venture”.

According to him, “The government therefore restates its commitment to ensuring all public facilities are protected at all costs, including water fixtures by reinforcing security surveillance around these facilities, prosecuting anybody or group of individuals caught in this act of sabotage.

“It is pertinent to further warn that contractors and other companies constructing roads, carrying on trenching or excavation, or building any structure should exercise the highest level of caution as any damage to water facilities or any other public facility will not only be prosecuted but will also be held responsible for indemnity over what they damage.”

Onyia urged members of the public to take “these facilities as their own by protecting them, and staying vigilant against vandals prowling around”.