Lorine Emenike
The Rivers state government says it is packaging a model that has treatment plans for all water facilities in the state as part of deliberate efforts to eradicate water-borne diseases and contaminated water.
The Commissioner for water resources and rural development, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja who stated this during the inspection of water facilities in Abonnema, Akuku Toru local government area said this quest to provide portable water for residence by Governor Nyesom Wike led administration is gathering momentum.
Dr. Gogo-Jaja expressed dissatisfaction with the prior handling of the network connection of the water project by the contractors, regretting that such action by the contractors will cost the state government additional funds in redirecting the anomaly to enable residents of the area access portable water.
He, however, admonished the people of Abonnema to protect government facilities sited in their domain.
“My first approach will be to express gratitude to the governor of Rivers State. First is that every effort has been made to ensure that our people have access to portable water and today I have come to Abonnema just like we visited other communities where we have these projects. My first point of happiness is that there is water, portable, clean, fresh and safe.
“However, I am truly not happy with the network of the project. Now ordinarily, the network ought to run in the centre of the road so that both flanges of the community will access this water.
“The contractors came on site to change or divert the line and that invariably means that it will cost the Rivers state government extra money to extend reticulation”
The state water resources and rural development commissioner urged multinational companies and international donors to stop installing mono pump as part of their contribution for the provision of water in the rural communities to avoid water-borne diseases and other ailment but approach the ministry for proper guidance.
The Chairman of Akuku Toru local government, Roland Sekibo represented by the vice-chairman Mrs Caroline West thanked governor Wike for his relentless effort towards providing portable water for the people and assured the commissioner that the council will provide the necessary logistics to achieve the aim of the water project in the local government area.
He called on the residence of Abonnema to reciprocate the gesture of the government by protecting the facility from being vandalized.
