Rectifying 1.5BN Debt Clears Anambra’s Water Board Dilemma

An amicable resolution has transpired between the Anambra State Government and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreation Service Employee (AUPCTRE), alongside the Defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA). Instigated by Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, this undertaking aims to redress the grievances of affected personnel across various sectors and address the pressing need to catalyze urban revitalization plans. The primary objective is to operationalize all defunct water projects in Anambra State, thereby reinstating potable water services across its urban centers. In an agreement signaling the release of 1.5 billion Naira to settle outstanding salary arrears, Anambra State’s Head of Service, Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe, lauds Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to resolving a protracted fourteen-year ordeal.

Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, during an inspection tour of dilapidated facilities in Onitsha last year, was deeply dismayed by the extent of neglect suffered by the water corporation infrastructure. The squandered investments were beyond comprehension. Driven by a vision to commence urban regeneration, he insisted on the imperative of restoring water services throughout the state.

Realizing this vision hinges on resolving the fourteen-year legal dispute between the state government and the Water Corporation, along with settling the substantial backlog of salary arrears. Consequently, the governor authorized an out-of-court settlement to expedite the realization of his objectives.

The diligent efforts of the committee tasked with facilitating the out-of-court settlement have borne fruit. Over eight sessions, in a harmonious atmosphere at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka, all concerned parties—the state government, AUPCTRE, the Defunct Anambra State Water Corporation, ANSEPA, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, Anambra State chapter—convened to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum primarily focuses on clearing the salary arrears, amounting to a total of 2.8 billion Naira, albeit with a concession from the union to reduce it to 1.5 billion Naira.

In their respective responses, the National President of AUPCTRE and the Anambra State Chairman of the NLC commend Governor Soludo for his proactive measures and transparency.

Attorney General Professor Sylvia Ifeme outlines the government’s subsequent course of action.

The Anambra State Water Corporation and ANSEPA were operational until the minimum wage increase in 2005 prompted the cessation of their subvention by the then-state government. This halted operations within the corporation, leading to industrial arbitration. Although the previous administration allocated some funds, the matter remained unresolved until Governor Soludo intervened to bring it to a conclusive resolution.