In a bold stride toward transforming rural livelihoods and addressing critical water challenges, the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, has expanded his administration’s flagship “Water for All” initiative with the completion of six additional solar-powered boreholes, bringing the total to 24 across communities in the council area.

The milestone project underscores the chairman’s commitment to eradicating water scarcity, improving public health, and enhancing environmental conditions in Awgu, where access to clean water has long posed a challenge for many rural dwellers.

Residents across beneficiary communities have hailed the development as life-changing, noting that the intervention has significantly reduced the burden of trekking long distances in search of potable water.

The newly completed boreholes are located in Mgbowo, Obuofia Village in Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community (Awgu Town), Mgbidi, Nenwenta, Nkwe, and Ezere. During visits to the project sites, community members expressed heartfelt appreciation to the council chairman for fulfilling his campaign promises.

Mrs. Ezefa Ifunanya of Mgbowo described the initiative as timely and impactful, commending the seamless execution of the project. Similarly, Mr. Anthony Ndubuisi of Obuofia Village lauded the chairman for remembering a community he said had long been neglected.

“We are very glad that the chairman remembered us because nobody had remembered this village. We thank him and urge him to do more,” he said.

In Mgbidi, Mr. Chukwudi Ndu highlighted the transformative effect of the borehole, noting that residents no longer endure the hardship of sourcing water from distant streams. Comparable sentiments were echoed by Mrs. Udeh Francisca Nnenna of Nkwe and CSO Michael Aghazurigbo of Ezere Ugwungwu, who both emphasized the positive impact on daily living and community wellbeing.

The current achievement builds on an earlier milestone recorded in October 2025, when the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, commissioned 18 solar-powered boreholes executed within Hon. Okolo’s first year in office.

Speaking on the development, Hon. Okolo expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for providing an enabling environment for grassroots development, noting that the local government’s efforts are in alignment with the state’s broader agenda, particularly in the water sector—one of the governor’s priority areas.

He recalled that during his campaign, he pledged to deliver 25 solar-powered boreholes across Awgu communities, revealing that 24 have already been completed within just one year and six months in office, with plans underway to exceed the initial target in subsequent phases.

“Our goal is simple but vital—water is life. We are determined to ensure that no community in Awgu suffers from lack of clean and safe water,” the chairman stated.

The solar-powered boreholes, designed for sustainability and efficiency, are already easing the daily struggles of residents, improving hygiene standards, and contributing to better health outcomes.

As the “Water for All” initiative continues to expand, stakeholders and community members have called for sustained maintenance and further extension of the project to underserved areas, expressing optimism that Awgu is on a steady path toward total water accessibility.

As reported by:
Hon. Tochukwu Chukwu
Special Adviser, General Media and Publicity to Awgu LGA Chairman