The Enugu State Government has signed an agreement with WANDE NEXUS, an Austrian firm, to execute the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project.
The deal, formalized on Monday in Enugu, involves a $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to upgrade water infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households in Enugu City.
The signing ceremony, attended by Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria Thomas Schlesinger, marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to address water distribution challenges. Governor Peter Mbah described the agreement as a groundbreaking partnership between a sub-sovereign entity and a sovereign nation.
“We now have an investment of $100 million to address the last-mile connectivity in our water system decisively,” Mbah stated. “This underscores the impact of the federal government’s economic reforms and our efforts to position Enugu as a premier investment destination. This agreement moves beyond exploration to implementation, with funds set to flow immediately.”
The governor highlighted significant progress under his administration, increasing water production from two million litres per day to 120 million litres. However, the focus now shifts to expanding the water distribution network to ensure household access.
“With this investment, we will expand our capacity to 200 million litres per day by 2025. This transformative project will eliminate the challenges of network expansion and tertiary pipeline connections,” he added.
Ambassador Schlesinger commended Governor Mbah for fostering international partnerships and demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Enugu. “This $100 million investment is a testament to Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership. His engagements in Vienna have strengthened ties between Austria and Enugu, laying the foundation for sustainable development,” Schlesinger remarked.
He also praised the leadership of Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of WANDE NEXUS Group, who brings over two decades of experience in addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Schlesinger expressed confidence in the project’s success under Ugbor’s direction.
Ugbor, in his remarks, attributed the investment decision to the favorable business environment created by the Mbah administration. He pledged the project would deliver substantial benefits, including the creation of 500 direct jobs, the development of human capital in modern water management, and significant improvements in public health and economic opportunities in the state.
The project represents a landmark in Enugu’s quest for sustainable development and international investment, with implementation set to begin immediately.
