RSG, HYPREP Sign Pact To Provide Quality Water In Ogoni

The Rivers State Government has signed a partnership agreement with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the provision of safe, potable water for the people of Ogoniland in line with the NEW Rivers Vision of the present administration.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, who represented the state government at the event, explained that the move was part of the critical projects of the remediation of the oil impacted communities in Ogoniland as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Gogo-Jaja noted that the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Chief Nyesom wike was committed to the development of the state, emphasizing that, the state government was poised to providing a conductive environment for the smooth execution of the water project.
The commissioner urged contractors that would be handling the water project to execute the project in line with international best standard, emphasizing that the present government, which anchors on quality project execution, would not compromise standard.
He urged the host communities to accord HYPREP the needed cooperation for speedy completion of the project, adding that the ministry would also engage the relevant communities in the area for smooth operation of the project, which would have direct bearing on the people of Ogoniland.
Earlier, the Acting Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Prof, Philip Shokwolo noted that the event was historic, bearing in mind that water supply was significant, pointing out that the water project would touch an average Ogoni person.
Shokwolo, who commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for prioritizing the development of the state, assured that the water project would be delivered in line with the specifications of government.
While describing water as life, Shokwolo also lauded the state government for the partnership to provide quality water supply for the people of Ogoni, and appealed to all stakeholders in Ogoni to partner the state government and HYPREP in ensuring the successful execution of the project in the area.

By: Soibi Max-Alalibo & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana