The Enugu State Government has partnered with the Austrian firm WANDE NEXUS to sign a $100 million agreement aimed at implementing the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project in Enugu.
The signing ceremony was held at the Government House in Enugu, attended by Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger.
Governor Peter Mbah hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in enhancing water access in Enugu City, illustrating the potential for collaboration between state and national entities.
“This $100 million investment will decisively address the last mile connection in our water system,” Mbah stated. He noted that this substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reflects the success of federal economic reforms and positions Enugu as a prime destination for investment.
“This is not merely an exploratory agreement; it is a commitment for funds to begin flowing,” he added. Mbah highlighted that his administration has ramped up water production from two million liters to 120 million liters daily, but acknowledged that expanding the network to connect homes remains a challenge.
In his remarks, Ambassador Schlesinger emphasized that the investment is strongly supported by the Austrian government.
He praised Governor Mbah for fostering international relationships and his dedication to improving living conditions for residents. “Governor Mbah’s vision for transforming water management systems in Enugu City aims to ensure equitable access to clean water,” he said.
Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of WANDE Nexus Group, noted that the conducive investment environment and improved ease of doing business under Mbah's administration encouraged their participation.
He assured that the project would create 500 direct jobs and enhance human capital in modern water management while improving health and economic opportunities in the state.
