RSG May Commission Gokana Water Scheme, Monday

The Rivers State Government may commission the Gokana water
scheme next week Monday.

The scheme comprises four water stations sited at Bodo,
Terabor, Yeghe and Deken communities.

The Commissioner for Water Resoruces and Rural development ,
Hon. Patricia Simon-Hart who said this, during a seminar on Small Town Water
supply and sanitation programme at Kpor, headquarters of Gokana Local
Government area said that the occasion will also be used to celebrate the
global hand washing day in the area.

Hon. Hart said that a Water Consumer Association (WCA) with
five persons each from all communities in the area will be set up.

She said that the water consumer Association (WCA) which
will be answerable to the Rivers State Small Towns Water Agency will be made to
ensure the sustainability of the water scheme.

According to her, the programme which was part of the water
sector reforms of the state Government, is aimed at involving the local
communities in the protection and maintenance of water projects sited in their
areas.

She also said that the government would embark on the
extension of the lines to all communities in the area and urged them to be
involved.

The Commissioner noted that the seminar which has as its
theme: “Get involved for water to flow”, was to enlighten them on the new
policy of the government with a view to preparing them for mass participation.

The permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water resources and
Rural development, Mr. Ijeoma Samuel said that the issue involve sustainability
of the water scheme, noting that the workability of the programme will ensure
that water continues to flow in the area.

Mr. Samuel described the programme as the beginning of new
things happen in the state as it will make the scheme to stand a test of time.

The Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Hon. Deemua
Ledee Deemua thanked the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for
graciously taking over the Gokana water project.

Hon. Deemua said that Gokana is blessed to be the first
Local Government area to have a water scheme in the state and pledge the
council’s readiness to ensure that the facility is protected.