Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has given the state’s Ministry of Water Resources a 48-hour ultimatum to restore public water supply to Abakaliki and its environs.
Uchenna Orji, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said this while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abakaliki.
Orji said this whole briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council Meeting.
He said effective water supply among other issues dominated discussions at the council meeting.
He said the governor was concerned about the epileptic water supply and vowed to tackle the problems militating against regular and effective supply.
He said: “The executives discussed the need for effective water supply and gave directive that within 48 hours, the ministry must tackle all problems hindering water supply.
“You do know that we have gigantic water schemes at Oferekpe, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ukawu, Onicha Local Government Area.
“The Ezilo Regional Water Scheme is being renovated and we have one in Ivo ongoing and in Uburu.
“Water is very critical and it is one of those essential social amenities that government thinks must be provided for the people of Ebonyi.
“All efforts are being made to ensure that water is provided, especially to those in the capital city.”
According to Orji, six state governments are working hard to ensure enhanced regular water supply in Abakaliki and other parts of the state in no distant time.
He said that redeployment of some Permanent secretaries to other ministries was discussed and the constitution of the executive committee that would move round to monitor activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Blessing Ezeoke, ex-Permanent Secretary of the Ebonyi State Universal Education Board, was redeployed to Lands and Survey; Dr Rita-Mary Okoro, formally in the Ministry of Agriculture, was moved to the Ebonyi SUBEB among others.
Meanwhile, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Ufom Williams, an indigene of Cross River State, as Permanent Secretary, and deployed her to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.