Rivers Plans Pilot Rural Water Scheme

The Rivers State Government is set to commence a pilot scheme for rural water supply in some selected communities in the state.

The plan was made public by the commissioner for water Resources and Rural Development, Ms Patricia Hart, during a visit of the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) to the state on Wednesday.

Ms Hart declared that the essence of the pilot scheme is to test-run some of the water polices as to get feedback from the rural populace.

The commissioner noted that the essence of the project is to create sustainability, saying ; before we go to sell such policy to any community, we must have a kind of  test unit. They would determine whether there is need for such models”.

Her declaration came on the heels of plans by CBC to provide technical and financial assistance to the state government in the area of rural water supply and sanitation.

The commissioner also pointed out that the ministry would deliberate and select communities for the pilot scheme lamenting that a lot of rural communities lack access to good and affordable water.

In another development, the ministry of Water Resource and Rural Development has commend the refurbishment of some water pipes in Port Harcourt.

Shortly after inspecting some newly laid water pipes at the Elekahia axis of Port Harcourt, Ms Hart told reporters that before the year ends, all parts of the city would be linked with potable water and commended the state Ministry of Works for giving the State Water Board the access along the axis. She assured that some of the old water pipes in the old Port Harcourt township would also be overhauled for effective  water supply.

Ms Hart also noted that when the exercise is finally ended, the state water board would evolve a new water rate system that would be fair and cheap for the citizenry to afford.