Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has warned the contractor handling the Umuoji Water Scheme to perform or have his contract terminated. He said the only thing that would save the contractor was for him to perform by accelerating the pace of work to ensure early completion.

Speaking while inspecting the project yesterday, Obi said the contractor had been adequately mobilised and government had set aside the funds required to complete the project. He regretted that work was delayed on the project because of the long time it took to take possession of the site from the community.

The traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Cyril Nweze, said Governor Obi has remained exemplary in the country and committed to the collective welfare of the people. Igwe Nweze observed that the governor has set a standard others are aspiring to attain and has done so much for the community in various sectors.

The traditional ruler assured that they will set up a technical committee and manage the facility as it is critical to the life and future of the town. He apologised for the delay in the work as caused by the former leader of the town who was after selfish gains. He said that things had gotten better under the leadership of Basil Okonkwo.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Mr. Emeka Nwankwu, and some other government officials, Gov. Obi also visited Oba and Obosi water schemes being resuscitated by his administration. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the two schemes. Oba water Scheme was commissioned in 1989 by the World Bank during military administration and collapsed in 2003 and is one of seventy-two water schemes being rehabilitated by Obi’s administration.

The governor said the project was costing the state government N80 million and when completed would provide regular water supply to Oba community and environs. He explained that when completed the scheme would be handed over to the community for management to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

•Photo: Gov. Obi testing the on-going Obosi Water Scheme. On his left is the the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Mr. Emeka Nwankwu, and the Commissioner for Budget Planning, Prof. Chinyere Okunna

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