After a long legal battle, Anambra State Government and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have reached an out-of-court settlement over the dissolution of the Anambra State Water Corporation.
The settlement agreement signed at the Conference Hall of the Anambra State Head of Service, HOS, by both parties, brought to and end, an over 14- year-long legal battle between the two parties, dating back to the time of Mr Peter Obi, as the Governor of the State.
The settlement is targeted to save Anambra State about ₦1.3 billion and offered a chance for the former staff of the Water Corporation to be reemployed after a screening process.
Speaking at the event, the State Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe expressed her gratitude to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for resolving the matter amicably and praised the Out-of-Court Committee and the AUPCTRE leaders for their cooperation and understanding.
The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, reiterated Gov. Soludo’s commitment to restoring public water supply in Anambra State and said that the settlement was a necessary step to address the challenges in the water sector.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of the ceremony we witnessed today. This paves way for the state government under Governor Soludo, to begin to implement its agenda for the provision of water to the Anambra populace.
“Also, there is an angle to cost saving for the state government to the tune of N1.3 billion, while the workers also have something to benefit, as they can be reintegrated into the state workforce.
“This to me, is a landmark achievement and signposts Governor Soludo efforts at inclusive governance and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation, Mr. Ejiofor Ikeobi reiterated the State Government’s commitment to get portable and clean water running in the state again, saying, “this groundbreaking occasion of settlement has paved way for the good work plan of Governor Soludo to deliver his Campaign promises as stated in his manifesto.”
He assured that the agreement would be honoured in all honesty.
The National President of AUPCTRE, Mr. Benjamin Anthony, who led the union delegation, thanked Gov. Soludo, the government team and the Out-of-Court Committee for their sincerity and efforts in settling the matter.
He appealed to the affected workers to be patient with the government to fulfill its part of the agreement and hoped that the government would pay the workers the agreed amount.
The event was also attended by the Attorney General of the State, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, the State Accountant General, Dr. Chukwudi Okoli, the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Humphrey Nwafor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Water Resources and the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service.
