State Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Hon. Patricia Simon-Hart had said that the rural water supply and sanitation project (RWSSP) was a component of the Niger Delta Support Programme and part of efforts in the consolidation of the ongoing reforms in the water sector. Hon. Simon-Hart stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt during the state launch of the Local Investment Plan (LIP) for the two self-selected Local Government Areas of Akuku-Toru and Opobo/Nkoro.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director General Water Resources Regulatory Commission, Mr. Chris Obasiolu said the programme was intended to strengthen social bond and peace building among beneficiaries. This he said would be done through local capacity and provision of access to improved capacity and access to improve source of safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
She said the key objectives of the (NDSP) is to ensure the continuous and seamless access to Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Service when the European Union (EU) Support is withdrawn. Earlier in her welcome address, the General Manager Rivers State Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mrs. Kakada Chibunma lauded the State Government for the initiative and also to EU, NDSP and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for their support.
She said, water and sanitation are very vital in human life that is why the State Government has come up with this initiative to provide potable water and good sanitation in our communities. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mr. Collins Davidson who was represented by Director, Planning, Research and Statistics Mr. Emmanuel Amatemeso said, the project was very vital and would benefit all. In their contributions, the caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Council Mr. Stanley Benebo and Opobo/Nkoro, Mr. Michael Igolima pledged to contribute their own quota to make sure the project is complete, and pleaded with the State Government to assist in facilitating the project.
Highlight of the event were, presentation of the work plan from the two LGAs, questions, comment, contributions and observation section.
River State Government Press Release
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