The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has so far completed six water headworks and three booster stations in Ogoniland in Rivers State.
HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who dropped the hint in Port Harcourt during the commemoration of this year’s World Water Day last Friday, said potable water is currently being supplied in 18 communities in the area.
He noted that when construction of the ongoing 18 water schemes is completed, HYPREP should have achieved 95 percent potable water supply coverage of the entire Gokana Local Government Area; 70 percent of Khana Local Government Area; 90 percent of Eleme Local Government Area; and 95 percent of Tai Local Government Area.
Zabbey further indicated that each water scheme comprises boreholes, ground and overhead water tanks, treatment plants, staff quarters for resident workers, a generating power set; and a mini laboratory for quality checks and quality control.
He said HYPREP is also undertaking shoreline clean-up and mangrove restoration in Ogoniland to restore ecosystem goods and services, including the maintenance of water quality, for the socio-economic benefits of the local and contiguous communities.
With HYPREP’s investment in potable water infrastructure and rehabilitation of oil-degraded creeks, he said the agency significantly contributes to economic development, poverty reduction and resilience to climate change.
The Project Coordinator, therefore, maintained that by harnessing the power of water for sustainable development, “we can create opportunities for peace and prosperity for present and future generations”.
“We recognise the interconnectedness between water security and peace building efforts.By prioritising access to water resources, promoting dialogue and fostering collaboration, we can address root causes of conflict and build bridges toward lasting peace”, he said, adding that it is imperative to adopt inclusive and participatory approaches to water governance that prioritise the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalised and vulnerable communities.
Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of HYPREP-built water schemes in Ogoniland, Zabbey said HYPREP would continue to collaborate with communities in the design and execution of the projects and would hand over the water facilities to the respective communities for effective management.
According to him, the facilities are managed by HYPREP in the first two years, during which, with the collaboration of the Rivers State Government,it trains community workers and sets up the Water Consumers Association (WCA) for continuous management and sustainability.
Zabbey noted that as the world commemorates the World Water Day, “we reaffirm our commitment to leveraging water as a peace and sustainable development catalyst”, and urged the people of the world to work together across borders, sectors and ideologies to ensure water resources are managed responsibly, equitably and sustainably, as well as honour the vital role of water in promoting peace and building a better world for ourselves and future generations.
He said the World Water Day commemoration was a reminder of the profound significance of water as a catalyst for peace, stability and sustainable development around the globe.
The Project Coordinator said this year’s theme, ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, underscores water’s vital role in fostering cooperation, understanding, development and peaceful coexistence among nations and communities, contending that HYPREP understands that water is a fundamental human need and a shared resource that transcends borders and cultures, as it is essential for food security, sanitation, health and economic prosperity.
He noted that access to quality water remains a pressing issue for millions worldwide, exacerbating tensions and conflicts in many regions.
“Considering the importance of safe water to human existence, the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland Report recommends providing potable water for oil-impacted Ogoni communities.Thus, HYPREP has taken bold steps towards enhancing communities’ access to safe water for various uses”, he said.

By: Donatus Ebi