Report from Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
Nigeria joined the rest of the World in celebrating the 2014 World Water Day with a sensitization walk from Eagle Square to NTA Headquarters, Area 11 Abuja.
World Water Day is an annual event, usually celebrated 22nd March every year to create awareness on Water Resources Management and also to evaluate the activities of Federal Ministry of Water Resources and partners in the water sector.
The Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Alh. Baba Umar Faruk, who led the sensitization walk 20th March, 2014 as part of the activities to mark the day, said that it is the responsibly of Federal Government to construct big dams to store bulk water for supply, irrigation and hydro power. He cited example that Federal Government has constructed Gurara Multipurpose Dam to provide bulk water to Lower Usuma Dam which in turn is providing potable water to FCT.
He said, same applied to all the States. Federal Government has constructed more than 200 dams all over the country to keep bulk water while the States have the responsibility of making drinking water available to their communities.
Mr. Faruk said that the theme of this year is , “Water and Energy”; the two are interwoven and complementary. For sustainable energy, water is required; so also, for a sustainable water supply, energy is also required.”
While speaking to journalists at the event, the Country representative, WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ojo stated that the event was to raise awareness of the possible nexus between water and energy. He restated that about 73% of water is actually for power generation, while 10% of energy is used for water purposes.
Mr. Ojo said that this year’s event called for celebration as well as for action globally. “A sizeable number of people do not have access to potable water.”
He therefore, called on the Federal Government to increase funding for capacity building in the water sector and maintain water quality standards to prevent incidences of water borne diseases.
He said, the synergy between Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Federal Ministry of Power and other stakeholders would enhance economic development of the country.
At the sensitization walk were the staff and Management of the Federal Ministry Water Resources, representatives of UNIDO, UN University, TCN, Guinness Nigeria, WaterAid, Fordmarx, National Assembly, Civil society, Federal Ministry of Power and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Water Supply Association, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
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