(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_0260-300x224.jpg) While reacting to the presentation made by the Water Resources' Minister at the Media Platform, 2013, the media, civil society organisations and others sought clarifications from the Minister on many issues including status of the multi-million naira Gindir Water Project and the need to make access to water free for all Nigerians.
Some others wanted the Ministry of Water Resources to provide water for the people of Owu in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State and clarifications on what the Ministry is doing to arrest indiscriminate sinking of water boreholes in the South-East zones of the country as well as in other parts of the country due largely to non-availability of water.
While responding, Serah Ochekpe, Minister of Water Resources, explained that her Ministry has requested assistance which have been coming from development partners. As well, she said that an MoU for the development of the water sector has been signed consequent on studies undertaken in partnership with some development agencies.
The Water Resources Minister also revealed that collaboration is ongoing with States' water resources agencies in many aspects such that The African Water Resources Council has adopted the Nigerian model of water development. She also stated that rehabilitation has been ongoing to bring water supply to dry areas in the country and access to water supply has been improved through provision of boreholes to arid parts of the country; she explained.
The Minister added that the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission is effectively handling the execution of water projects in the country; saying the dams and lands belonging to farmers cannot be privatised as they can only be assigned through negotiations with the farmers.
She said about 14.5 million dollars would be required to execute the transfer process of the Gindiri Project; adding that the lower Lake Chad Basin has been facilitated with arrangement for upgrading. "The Federal Government is working in collaboration with State governments on the development of some viable dam projects. Water treatment plants meant to provide potable water to the people are also been done; she reiterated.
Earlier, while making an opening remark at the accountability forum, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku noted that the efforts of the Water Resources Ministry to intensify food security through collaboration with the Agric Ministry have yielded increased food production in the country. The present period of water administration, he said, has brought about the development of several water projects. he added that farmers have leveraged large food production opportunities in the dry season through dams and irrigation. The water resources sector, he advised, should intensify its synergy with the Agric sector.
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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria