RVHA Moves Against Vandalisation Of Water Pipes

The lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor constituency I in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has raised alarm over the indiscriminate destruction of public water pipes in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Presenting a motion titled, ‘Halting Indiscriminate Destruction of Public Water Pipes in Rivers State on Monday, Hon Amaewhule, called on the state lawmakers to condemn the activities of individuals, corporate bodies and government contractors that vandalise water pipes.

He argued that the state Ministry of Works be directed to take immediate steps in halting continued destruction of water pipes by ensuring that road designs make provision for public water pipes.

Hon. Amaewhule who is also the House Committee Chairman on Water Resources urged the Assembly to persuade the executive arm to set up an inter-ministerial committee to ensure the right of way of pubic water pipes.

According to him, the Rumuola, Rumuokrushi and other water pumping stations were functional, adding that the problem lay problem lies with distribution as the pipes had been destroyed, noting that the importance of water to human existence remained very significant.

Contributing to the debate, the lawmaker representing Andoni Constituency, Hon. Ikuiniyi Ibani, said the state government, assuring that embarking on the development of the state was the issue of water would be addressed later.

He posited that the development was not a one day business and urged the House to ignore the motion because the setback was temporary.

The Leader of the House and lawmaker representing Emohua, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, argued that the issue of water in the state was beyond destruction of water pipes and urged the Assembly to invite the Commissioner for Water Resources to appear before the House to explain what she does with the budgetary allocation for the ministry.

Hon. Victoria Nyeche, Port Harcourt I, Hon. Golden Chioma, Etche, said the Assembly should invite the Water Resources Commissioner and her Works counterpart for questioning, emphasing that the Ministry of Works was the greatest culprits in damaging water pipes.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee who presided over the House business ruled that the clerk invite the Commissioners of Water Resources and Works to meet with the House leadership on the issues raised in the motion.

In another development, Hon. Kwanee urged the State lawmakers to perform their oversight functions to reduce the number of motions bordering on their ministries.

He stated this during debate on a motion brought before the House by the lawmaker representing Asari Toru II, Hon. Ben Horsfall on the maintenance of street lights and traffic lights in Port Harcourt and its environs.

The Deputy Speaker ruled that the House would not go against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which they all swore to protect.

Opening debate on the motion, the leader of the House, Hon. Chidi Lloyd noted that issues raised in the motion were within the jurisdiction of local government councils and urged the lawmakers not to usurp the functions of the councils.