News
PH Water Project To Gulp $328m, RSG Confirms
The Rivers State Government has put the cost of the proposed Port Harcourt Water and Sanitation Project at $328 million (which is approximately N127.2billion at the current exchange rate).
The state Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, who disclosed this at a briefing in Port Harcourt to mark the 2020 World Water Day celebration, said the Rivers State Government will contribute $48million to the project, World Bank $80million while the African Development Bank (AfDB) will contribute $200million.
Gogo-Jaja said the project, which will soon be awarded, will involve the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing water facilities in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas.
The commissioner said the project, when completed, will create employment opportunities for the people, provide fresh and clean water to inhabitants of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor as well as improve the hygienic condition of the city through the eradication of open defecation.
He said the bidding for the project by reputable international companies was in its fifth stage, adding that the Port Harcourt Water Corporation has received a letter of no objection from the African Development Bank (AfDB) on the project.
Similarly, Gogo-Jaja said that the ministry will soon embark on reforms of the water sector of the state, adding that the ministry was opening a website for the registration of all borehole owners in the state.
The commissioner, who said the registration was free of charge, said the exercise will enable the ministry to know the number of boreholes in the state as well as their areas of concentration.
Gogo-Jaja, who argued that some sachet water being sold on the streets are not good for drinking, said as a regulatory agency, the ministry will ensure that Rivers people get access to clean and fresh water.
He listed some completed and on-going water projects in the state to include the Okrika Island Water Scheme, which has been completed and commissioned, the on-going Odioku water project, solar water project at Ekereborokiro, Iloma, Minima and the Ikuru Town water schemes.
The rest are, Kalaibiama water project, which is 80% completed, the Nkoro and Opobo water projects,Abonnema and Abissa water projects, amongst others.
He said the World Water Day, which has been celebrated since 1992, was to call attention to the importance of fresh and clean water.
The commissioner also called on communities where water projects are sited to protect them from vandalisation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News1 day ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News1 day ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Niger Delta1 day agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support