The Enugu State House of Assembly recently held a one-day public hearing on a bill designed to regulate the establishment and activities of water user associations within the state. The initiative aims to promote efficient water resource management and sustainable irrigation practices. It is also a key component of a World Bank-assisted project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Anambra River Basin Development Authority, and the Enugu State Government, which has already paid a counterpart fund of ₦2 billion to co-finance the project.
This bill, which is intended to create a legal framework for the management of water resources, seeks to establish community-based organizations known as Water User Associations (WUAs). These associations will oversee irrigation farming activities, ensuring better management of water resources for agricultural purposes. The law also aims to revitalize existing dams and possibly build new ones to combat issues like erosion and flooding while providing adequate water for dry-season farming.
Hon. Obiajulu Princess Ugwu, Chairperson of the House Committee on Water Resources, presided over the public hearing and emphasized that the bill had already passed through the first and second readings. The public hearing served as a platform for stakeholders to contribute their views, ensuring that the project would not become a "white elephant." The bill has received widespread support, with participants expressing optimism about its potential impact, which includes increased food production, reduced crime, and improved livelihoods for local communities.
The public hearing saw contributions from various stakeholders, including civil society groups and non-governmental organizations, who all expressed their backing for the bill. Ambassador Onyinye Mamah, President of the Women Support Group, voiced her support for the bill but highlighted the importance of sustainable implementation beyond the initial funding phase. She noted that the bill came at an opportune time and would be beneficial for water users across the state.
The hearing was attended by notable figures, including the Commissioner for Water Resources in Enugu State, Hon. Felix Nnamani. The bill, if passed into law, is expected to significantly enhance water resource management and contribute to the state’s agricultural development, providing long-term benefits to both the environment and local communities.
