In what observers have described as an unprecedented milestone in local governance within Enugu State, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council, Aka Eze Aka, on Saturday commissioned six fully functional solar-powered boreholes across six Wards of the Council Area in a single day, the first of its kind in the annals of the State. Each of the borehole has a projected lifespan of fifty years, if well-handled.
The historic exercise, which commenced at approximately 10:00 a.m., took the Chairman and his entourage across Obollo Eke, Orba, Ezimo, Imilike, and Umundu Communities, drawing large crowds of residents, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and community leaders at each location.
FIRST STOP: Obollo Eke Ward
The commissioning tour began at Odobido Village in Obollo Eke Ward, where the borehole project is powered by 2,100 watts of solar energy. Community members received the Chairman warmly, expressing optimism that the project would significantly ease access to potable water.
Orba Ward I: Community Commitment to Protection
By 11:00 a.m., the team arrived at Umueworo Ogu Village in Ejuona Orba, host community for Orba Ward I’s project. This installation boasts 8,850 watts of solar power, reflecting the technical adjustments made to suit the terrain and depth of the borehole.
Councilor Orba Ward I, Rt. Hon. Collins Izuchukwu Eze giving vote of thanks
The Councillor representing the area at the Udenu Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Collins Izuchukwu Eze, delivered the vote of thanks, pledging on behalf of the community to safeguard the facility and ensure its longevity.
Orba Ward II: Royal Reception
From there, the Chairman proceeded to AmaOrba Village Square for the commissioning of the Orba Ward II project, similarly equipped with 8,850 watts of solar power.
The reception was elaborate, with traditional rulers Igwe Uchenna and Igwe Ambrose Nwoye present alongside Councillor Hon. Anthony Smart Eze and a large gathering of residents. The Monarchs expressed appreciation to both the Chairman and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for their developmental efforts. Igwe Uchenna later hosted the Chairman and his entourage briefly at his palace before they continued to the next Ward.
Ezimo Ward: Endorsement for Second Term
At about 1:00 p.m., the entourage reached Onuiyi Amallaogbo village, Ezimo Uno, in Ezimo Ward. The Traditional Ruler, HRH John Eze, Igwe Ezigbo II of Ezimo, alongside the Ward’s Councillor, Rt. Hon. Charly Ezugwu, and former Local Government Chairman, Onyekachi C. Ugwu, led residents in welcoming the Chairman.
The Ezimo project, powered by 2,100 watts of solar energy marks the first time such essential water infrastructure has been sited in this part of the Village. Speaking on behalf of the people, Onyekachi C. Ugwu publicly endorsed the Chairman for a second term, citing his inclusive approach to development.
IMILIKE WARD: Infrastructure Tailored to Terrain
By 1:45 p.m., the team moved to Ogo Village in Imilike Ani, Imilike Ward, where another high-capacity installation; 8,850 watts of solar power was commissioned. Rt. Stan Ugwu, the Councillor representing the ward, expressed gratitude to both the Governor and the Chairman for what he described as a transformative intervention.
The Project’s Technical team noted that variations in technical specifications across the six projects were determined by borehole depth and soil formation in each community.
GRAND FINALE: Ifuama Umundu
The final stop was Ifuama Village in Umundu at approximately 2:30 p.m., where residents welcomed the Chairman with a 16-cannon gun salute. The Udunedem Water Project, also powered by 8,850 watts of solar energy, was formally commissioned amid jubilations.
In a welcome address presented by the President General of the Town Union, Chief Raymond Aroh, on behalf of the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Martin Agbo, the community described the day as historic, noting that access to potable water had long been a pressing challenge.
The address highlighted that the project would restore dignity, safeguard public health, and save time and energy previously spent fetching water from distant sources. The community also acknowledged the contributions of local stakeholders who facilitated the project and pledged collective responsibility for its maintenance.
Chairman Credits Governor’s Inspiration
At each commissioning site, the Chairman attributed the success of the projects to the inspiration and leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, describing him as a grassroots champion whose developmental philosophy has influenced initiatives across the State.
He emphasized that despite the substantial financial commitments required for such projects, his administration remains committed to delivering essential infrastructure that directly impacts citizens’ lives. He also urged residents to continue supporting policies and leadership that prioritize grassroots development.
Part of Broader Development Agenda
The six boreholes commissioned represent the first phase of a broader water infrastructure initiative meant for the entire ten political Wards in Udenu. Four additional projects, slated for Amalla, Ogbodu Aba, Obollo Afor, and Obollo Etiti, are expected to commence in the coming months and will be commissioned upon completion.
The milestone comes nine weeks after the Chairman hosted a major security summit in Udenu, an initiative credited with restructuring local security architecture and addressing criminal activities in the area. Within one year and six months in office, the administration has also delivered two asphalted roads at Amutenyi Obollo Eke and the Ukwu Akpu–Obollo Afor Market link road, among other community-focused projects.
Political analysts note that among the 17 Local Government Council chairmen in Enugu State, the commissioning of six solar-powered boreholes across six wards in a single day marks a significant record in grassroots service delivery.
For residents across Udenu, however, the impact is measured less in records and more in clean, accessible water — now flowing where scarcity once prevailed.
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
