BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Federal government has expressed willingness to collaborate with Akwa Ibom State government to achieve its mandate of providing clean Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, WASH, and flood control for the benefit of the people.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Bassey Eno, at the Government House, Uyo.
The minister commended the Akwa Ibom State government for accepting to host the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, describing it as a vital platform for advancing national progress in the water and sanitation sector.
A statement issued yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan, said during the meeting, Professor Utsev reiterated the federal government’s commitment to partner Akwa Ibom State to enhance WASH infrastructure and flood mitigation efforts.
Utsev noted ongoing communication with the State Flood Management Committee to activate four proposed pilot areas.
According to the statement, the areas include, “The implementation of robust early warning systems; community engagement through awareness campaigns to improve disaster preparedness; capacity-building programmes to enhance resilience and promote community-led responses; investment in flood defense infrastructure to mitigate flooding impacts.”
Providing updates on key infrastructural projects, the minister stated that Nkari Dam is currently 55 percent completed and has been prioritised for completion under the current administration. “With over 500 hectares of irrigation potentials and a reservoir capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters, the dam will significantly enhance irrigation farming, water supply, fisheries and food security in the region.”
He also noted that Itu Irrigation Project, one of the largest in the South-South region, remains a major initiative aimed at developing 2,000 hectares of land for year-round agriculture and flood control.
The minister urged stronger collaboration with the state government to advance its implementation.
Professor Utsev announced the federal government’s approval for the construction of two reference laboratories per geopolitical zone, with Akwa Ibom State selected as one of the beneficiaries.
The establishment of this facility will help curb waterborne diseases by ensuring comprehensive borehole water testing.
He encouraged greater efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free, ODF, status by 2030 through increased sensitisation and the provision of more toilet facilities in schools and public spaces across the state.
The minister highlighted several World Bank-funded initiatives designed to enhance water and sanitation services across Nigeria, including, the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, PEWASH, Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, SURWASH, as well as the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria, SPIN, Project.
Professor Utsev, who urged the Akwa Ibom State government to expedite efforts to key into these projects, also emphasized the need to enact the Water Users Association, WUA, Law, a critical requirement for full participation in the SPIN project.
Recognising the strong presence of Akwa Ibom professionals in the water sector, the minister lauded the formation of Akwa Ibom Water Professionals Association during the 30th National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in February 2024.
Responding, Governor Eno commended the federal government for granting Akwa Ibom the hosting rights for the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation.
He pledged that his administration would review and act on the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Governor Eno highlighted ongoing state-led WASH interventions, including the installation of sanitation facilities in schools.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming National Council Meeting would provide a platform for experts to align with President Bola Tinubu’s developmental vision in the water and sanitation sector.
