Environment

C’ River Opens Bid For Drilling Rigs Procurement

Published

10 years ago

October 31, 2016

The Cross River State Ru
ral Water Supply and Sanitisation Agency (RUWATSSA) has held a meeting for opening of technical bid with prospective contractors for the procurement of drilling of rigs for the three senatorial districts of the State.
In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Gabe Odu, applauded the efforts of the Governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade for ensuring that the rural dwellers don’t lack clean water. The Commissioner stated that the Ayade led administration in its bid to improve the Rural Communities in the State, has approved the purchase of drilling rigs and that the Governor, has always solicited for the rural areas to be provided with water. He assured the contractors who had applied for the various lots available, that the process would be fair and transparent to all.
In the same vein, the Director General RUWATSSA, Mr. Ita Ikpeme who also commended the Governor for approving such huge projects, welcomed everyone present. He reminded them that it was important to be focused on the task at hand. Mr. Ikpeme went further to make an appeal to the prospective contractors that whoever gots to handle any of the projects in the three senatorial districts must be able to supply quality and standard materials that can stand the test of time.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Engineer Thomas Aruku in applauding the Governor’s magnanimity in providing the rigs to rural communities hoped that when the rigs were finally completed, they would be put to good use. Eng. Thomas finally requested that the contractors who would handle the jobs should make sure they supply according to due process specifications.
Mr. Akpi Wanade who represented the Director General of Due Process, advised the contractors that whoever got the job should give value to the money that would be handed to them, reminding them that water and sanitisation are the right of every citizen, therefore, he will ensure that the process is open and fair.
Also speaking, the Director, Water Supply, Elder Eyo Offiong, briefed the contractors on how the process would take place. He explained that the evaluation which would be in two stages would consist of the technical and financial stages.
The technical stage would have to do with the evaluation of companies’ documents to include: the companies’ profile, evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, evidence of registration with the State, amongst others. Elder Offiong while explaining the financial stage stated that, only contractors that have successfully scaled the technical stage would proceed to the financial stage.
Companies applied for the various available slots include: C.M.O.S Nigeria Limited, G-TECH Equipment P.V.T Limited, Stepstin Ventures, Dutina Nigeria Ventures, Chafel Ventures, Atlas Copco, Jofos industries and Lydam Ventures.
In his closing remarks the Programme Manager for RUWATSSA, Mr. Patrick Echi Emori, retreated the roles of RUWATSSA and thanked the contractors for being present.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.