Nigeria Loses 200bn Cubic Metres Of Fresh Water To Atlantic Ocean

An expert, Engr Daso Mark Derefaka, has said that Nigeria loses 200billion cubic metres of fresh water annually to the Atlantic Ocean.
Derefaka, who is the managing director of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), said this during the celebration by the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority of the 2021 World Rivers Day in Port Harcourt.
He said that Niger Delta area was contributing 14billion cubic metres to the country’s fresh water loss to the Atlantic Ocean.
“Waterways in the catchment area are equally changing due to human activities within our surrounding communities.
“Nigeria loses 200billion cubic meter of fresh water to the Atlantic Ocean annually with our catchment area contributing 14billion cubic metres loss”.
The NDBDA managing director said if the water was properly harnessed and utilized, it would boost the nation’sagricultural production, sustain industries, create employment for youths as well as give sufficient useable water to the communities within the agency’s catchment states.
He listed some sources of water pollution in the Niger Delta to include: fertilizer and pesticide washed into the river, dumping of waste and other non-biodegradable wastes into drains, open defecation, indiscriminate exploitation of ground and surface water, and oil spills into rivers which decimate aquatic lives.
Derefaka also stressed the need for the rejuvenation of policies to revive the rivers.
According to him, the waterways should be cleaned periodically of debris and regular distilling between 3-5 years, sensitisation of communities for the preservation of rivers and waterways in the region, while open defecation should be discouraged in the Niger Delta.
He also urged for the establishment of recycling plants to recycle non-biodegradable products and reserve plastic while relevant laws against over exploitation of water bodies within the catchment area should be enforced.
Other recommendations includes; planting of trees along river bank to improve aesthetic and make for greener environment, while private sector participation in water rejuvenation should be encouraged.

By: John Bibor