The Minister of Environment, Hon Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commissioned four water projects completed by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project( HYPREP) in four Ogoni communities in Rivers State, with a charge to the people to support and own the various projects being executed in Ogoniland.
The projects are sited in Terabor community in Gokana Local Government Area; Korokoro community in Tai Local Government Area; Kpean community; and Ebubu community in Eleme Local Government Area.
Lawal, who commissioned the projects during a colourful ceremony in Terabor community on Tuesday said the event was his first official assignment outside Abuja since being sworn in as Minister a few months ago.
He said the commissioning of the projects would definitely ease the pains of the Ogoni people whose environment and livelihoods were devastated and impacted by oil pollution for several years.
He said, "Ogoni people have suffered for a long time and I am here to bring succour to the people.We are going to move into community involvement and this is the only way you can make the various projects your own".
The Minister, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Gbenemene of Gokana Kingdom, King Festus Babari Paago Bagia at his palace in Giokoo community solicited for the support of the people.
Lawal, who was treated to the warm hospitality of the people was equally presented a chieftaincy title and decked in full traditional attire of the Gokana people alongside the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey; and the Chairman of HYPREP's Board of Trustees, Dr Michael Nweilaghi.
The Minister thanked the traditional ruler and other royal fathers and other Ogoni people for their support and efforts towards the actualisation of the various projects in Ogoniland.
According to him, "in our pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future, access to clean water and robust healthcare are foundational pillars".
He noted that the water projects celebrated today are not merely a structure but a symbol of the commitment to providing clean and accessible water to the people of Ogoniland, saying, "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".
Lawal further indicated that the inspection of health facilities in Ogoniland underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system, adding that "the wellbeing of our citizens is paramount and investing in healthcare infrastructure is an investment in the prosperity and vitality of our communities".
He said while the water schemes are commissioned and the health facilities are assessed, the people should 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," he said, pointing out that this initiative may serve as a beacon of progress and cooperation and fostering a future where the people of Ogoni can thrive in a clean and healthy environment.
On his part, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said one of the cardinal mandates of the project in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) Report on Ogoniland is the provision of potable water, adding that for this reason, HYPREP had embarked on providing potable water in its phase one water scheme with the award of six water contracts in March, 2021.
He said the commissioning of the four water facilities on Tuesday would provide water to more Ogoni communities.
According to him, the completion and commissioning of the four water schemes are a further affirmation of the steadfast commitment of the Federal Government through HYPREP to the full implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report, particularly in the provision of potable water that meets World Health Organisation( WHO) standard to the Ogoni people.
According to him, the Terabor water facility has a tank capacity of 900,000 litres with a reticulation distance of 80kilometres across seven communities in Gokana while the Korokoro water facility has a 500,000 litre tank capacity with a reticulation distance of over 23 kilometres to reticulate Ueken community.
He further indicated that the Ebubu water facility in Eleme Local Government Area has a tank capacity of 650, 000 litres with a reticulation distance of 31 kilometres while the Kpean water facility in Khana Local Government Area has a tank capacity of 500,000 litres with a reticulation distance of over 18 kilometres.
Zabbey said the sustainability component of these water facilities has been well thought out as the facilities would be run by HYPREP for three years in active collaboration with the communities, NGOs, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development and the local government councils.
He further hinted that HYPREP would establish community-based Water Consumers Association(WCA) to manage the facilities while plans are underway to provide solar power systems as an alternative to the current diesel power supply system, stressing that the Ogoni power project would reinforce the water schemes power sustainability when completed.
The Project Coordinator also revealed that HYPREP has commenced the phase two of the water scheme in Ogoniland with the award of an additional 14 contracts that would reticulate potable water across 52 communities, stressing that construction of the water schemes is ongoing.
He said when the water projects are completed, they would immensely increase access to clean water and reduce health conditions associated with consuming contaminated water.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Shell Petroleum Development Company ( SPDC), Engr Ekiyokenegha Didi Clark restated the commitment of the oil company to the clean-up project and to continue to support HYPREP to ensure the implementation of the clean-up project in accordance with international best practices.
Clark said in spite of initial delays and hiccups, HYPREP is now getting it right.
On his part, the Chairman of Gokana Divisional Council of Chiefs, Mene Michael Ekuru urged HYPREP to always ensure that the right thing is done in the implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report and harped on the sustainability of the various projects.
Also speaking, the Gbenemene Bangha Kingdom and spokesman of HYPREP's Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC), King Suanu Baridam said the commissioning of the four water projects symbolises tremendous milestones, adding that the facilities would not only improve the health of the people but also provide hope
He, however, called for the setting up of a ministerial committee to always cross check what has been done.
On his part, the Chairman of HYPREP's Board of Trustees, Dr Michael Nweilaghi assured that the funds for the implementation of the clean-up project are safe and secure, saying HYPREP is open to constructive criticisms.
The Minister during the visit equally inspected health facilities provided by HYPREP at Terabor General Hospital; and undertook symbolic planting of mangrove in Bomu Community in Gokana Local Government Area before proceeding to a land remediation site in Ogale Community in Eleme Local Government Area.
Also, Lawal on Wednesday had a fruitful engagement with Ogoni stakeholders including youth, women groups, vulnerable groups and other Ogoni top personalities in Port Harcourt, where he promised to make such engagements more to regular.
Incidentally, Ogoni women at the event tacitly passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of HYPREP, and stressed the need for the Project Coordinator to be allowed to serve his two-term tenure going by the excellent manner he has been piloting the affairs of the project.
By Donatus Ebi
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