…As HYPREP commissions 4 water projects
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has said the federal government is resolute in its quest to restore the Ogoni environment despite its numerous challenges.
The Minister stated this at Gokana during the commissioning of the Terabor, Korokoro, Kpean and Ebubu community water schemes and inspection of health facilities in Ogoni land done by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP.
He said “In our pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future, access to clean water and robust healthcare are foundational pillars.
“The water scheme project we celebrate today is not merely a structure but a symbol of our commitment to providing clean and accessible water to the people of Ogoniland. Clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and this project is a testament to our dedication to ensuring this right for all citizens.
“Additionally, the inspection of health facilities in Ogoniland underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system. The well-being of our citizens is paramount and investing in healthcare infrastructure is an investment in the prosperity and vitality of our communities.
“As we commission this water scheme and assess our health facilities let us remember that our collective efforts are building blocks for a healthier environment and a more resilient community. The challenges ahead are significant but our determination is unwavering and collectively we will overcome all future obstacles.
In his address, King Festus Babari Paago-Bagia, the Gberemene of Gokana said the hope of the common Ogoni man is that the minister will bring infrastructural development with a view of recovering their land and their streams.
“We appreciate the effort so taken on the Livelihood programme. Provision of alternative Livelihood training for communities whose sources of income were impacted by oil spill is a key mandate of HYPREP project, we call on your support and constant monitoring of this programmes bringing to an end the sad days of oil bunkering (Kpo fire) and destruction of our land for a second time.
“We are convinced that if our Youths are fully equipped with good starter pack after the training, then our land will be safe and develop.”
Earlier, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the agency embarked on the water project in response to the UNEP report recommendations and in fulfillment of one of its cardinal mandates.
“One of the cardinal mandates of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, inline with the recommendations of UNEP report on Ogoniland is the provision of portable drinking water.
“Giving this, HYPREP embarked on the provision of portable water in its Phase1 water schemes with the award of six water contracts in March 2021. Today we are witnessing the commissioning of four water facilities to provide portable water for more Ogoni communities.
“Since last year, the Alesa Water Scheme has been supplying water to Alode, Agbonchia and Ogale in the Eleme local government area. Earlier in the year, we have commissioned the Barako water scheme in Gokana local government area which has continued to provide portable water for our people.
“The completion and commissioning of the Terabor, Korokoro, Kpean and Ebubu water schemes today are a further admission of the steadfastness of the federal government through HYPREP to the full implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP report, particularly the provision of portable water that meets World Health Organisations standard to the good people of Ogoniland,” he stated.
He explained that the Terabor water scheme has a storage capacity of 900000 litres with a reticulation distance of 80 kilometers across seven communities in Gokana namely Nweol, Lewe, Mogho, Bera, Kpor, Gbe and Giokoo, the Korokoro water facility has 500000 litres tank capacity with a reticulation distance of over 23 kilometers and reticulates the Ueken communities, the Ebubu water scheme has a tank capacity of 650,000 litres with a reticulation distance of 31 kilometers while the Kpean facility has a tank capacity of 500000 litres with a reticulation distance of 18 kilometers.
To sustain the project, Prof. Zabbey said the facilities will be run by HYPREP for three years in active collaboration with the communities, non-governmental organisations, Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development and the local government areas.
“We shall establish a consumer-based water consumers association to manage the facilities. Plans are underway to provide solar power systems as an alternative to the current diesel power supply system,” he said.
In the same vein, he said the project has commenced phase 2 of the water scheme with the award of an additional 14 contracts that will reticulate portable water across 52 communities in Ogoniland and that constructions are going, expressing the hope that when completed, they will immensely increase access to clean water across Ogoniland and reduce the health hazards associated with the consumption of polluted water.
The HYPREP PC listed other livelihoods programmes embarked upon by the agency to include the trainning of 5000 Ogoni youths and women in different skills, International Maritime Organisation, IMO 1&2 trainning, amongst others.
