Sacked workers of the Enugu State Water Corporation are free to continue with their normal duties, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ben Asogwa has said.
Asogwa, who, along with other labour leaders, addressed workers of the Corporation on Tuesday, said the termination of the appointment of 20 workers did not have the blessing of the governor.
“As far as the governor and government of Enugu State is concerned, no worker has been disengaged because there are laid down procedures in the Enugu State Civil Service Rules for disengaging workers found wanting for any reason.
“So, you are free to continue with your official assignments and we thank the governor for always showing both in words and action that he has the interest of workers at heart.
“But I must also urge all workers in the state to be law abiding and very diligent in the discharge of their duties for which they are paid,” Asogwa stated.
Why Water Corporation Management struck- Sources
Recall that the Enugu Water Corporation had recently relieved 20 employees of the agency of their appointment citing inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance, including failure to meet targets.
The Corporation said it was a “painful and hard decision to take, but a necessary one in order to reposition the Corporation for improved performance.”
Although the decision has been reversed by the governor, insider sources at the Water Corporation said that although the legality of Management’s action had been a source of controversy, it was never in doubt that “sharp practices” in the agency had cost the state huge sums of money despite enormous energy and finances invested by the present government to overhaul the dilapidated water infrastructure and build new ones.
A senior mid-level staff, who did not want his name in print stated: “Negligence of duty and sharp practices were partly responsible for the comatose state of the Water Corporation and water infrastructure in the state for over two decades until Governor Peter Mbah came to the rescue in just 180 days. So, we do not see the water revolution of the present administration succeeding unless there is a reversal of the old order and mentality.
“As we speak, the state is currently generating so much water, unlike before. The corporation has the capacity to generate in excess of 120,000 cubic metres of water as of today, but we release 30,000 cubic metres, daily, due to the ongoing reticulation and maintenance works. Yet the over 50 staff in the Commercial Department are unable to collect N5 million revenue monthly.
“By the way, N5 million amounts to about 280 cubic metres of water daily. But as I said, the Corporation releases 30,000 cubic metres, which is over 100 percent of the 280 cubic metres. Let us assume that the Corporation loses half of that quantity due to leakages, vandalism, and ongoing reticulation works, there is still about 15,000 cubic metres left. This is still way higher than the 280 cubic metres. So, where are the revenues going to?
“But while many of us agree with management that the rot and indolence must be totally reversed, I agree with the governor that due process, the Civil Service Rules, and rule of law must be observed.”
