By: Felix Ikpotor
Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, says the Project is working tirelessly to ensues that communities in Ogoniland, Rivers State can access clean water as a basic necessity.
Zabbey, who said this in a statement to mark the 2025 World Water Day, noted that the Project has facilitated supply of clean and potable water to 30 communities in Ogoniland.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration “Glacier Preservation,” underscores the need to protect the world’s freshwater sources, which sustain ecosystems, support human life, and regulate the climate, adding that it specifically highlights the importance of preserving glaciers, a critical source of freshwater for millions of people worldwide.
The PC charged citizens to safeguard the streams, lakes, wetlands, rivers, and groundwater to achieve access to sustainable clean water.
Zabbey said HYPREP recognizes the importance of clean and safe water, particularly for the hydrocarbon-impacted communities of Ogoniland, stressing that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland made clear recommendations for restoring contaminated water sources, saying HYPREP has remained steadfast in implementing the recommendations.
HYPREP’s PC said the effort of the agency to provide potable water is a critical component of its mandate to remediate and restore the environment in Ogoniland, adding that efforts in this regard include rehabilitating existing water infrastructure, establishing new facilities, including the recently commissioned facilities in Bunu and Beeri communities, and implementing sustainable water management strategies.
“We recognize that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to this basic necessity. As of today, thirty (30) Ogoni communities have access to potable water. Our potable water projects are designed to provide sustainable solutions that meet the needs of impacted communities. These projects continue to restore dignity, improve public health, and secure a better future for the people and residents of Ogoniland,” he said.
Zabbey further used the occasion of the celebrating of World Water Day, to reiterate HYPREP’s commitment to addressing the water challenges facing hydrocarbon-impacted communities in Ogoniland and therefore, called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, community leaders, and other Niger Delta communities, to join the agency in that regard, saying; “Together, we can ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to clean water and that the environment is protected for future generations.
The Project Coordinator further reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to environmental restoration and building structures for peace in Ogoniland.
