The Federal Government, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government to achieve its mandate of providing clean water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and flood control for the benefit of the people.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this known, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, at the Government House, Uyo.
In a statement signed the by
Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan in Abuja, reiterates Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with Akwa Ibom State to enhance WASH infrastructure and flood mitigation efforts.
The statement while providing updates on key infrastructure projects, stresses that the Nkari Dam is currently 55% completed and has been prioritized for completion under the current administration.
“With over 500 hectares of irrigation potential and a reservoir capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters (MCM), the dam will significantly enhance irrigation farming, water supply, fisheries, and food security in the region”
It notes that the Itu Irrigation Project, one of the largest in the South-South region, remains a major initiative aimed at developing 2,000 hectares of land for year-round agriculture and flood control.
According to the statement the Minister urges stronger collaboration with the state government to advance its implementation.
It states that the Federal Government has given approval for the construction of two Reference Laboratories per geopolitical zone, with Akwa Ibom State selected as one of the beneficiaries.
“The establishment of this facility will help curb waterborne diseases by ensuring comprehensive borehole water testing”
The statement encourages greater efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2030 through increased sensitization and the provision of more toilet facilities in schools and public spaces across the state.
It emphasizes the need to enact the Water Users Association (WUA) Law, a critical requirement for full participation in the SPIN project.
The statement commends the Akwa Ibom state government for accepting to host the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, describing it as a vital platform for advancing national progress in the water and sanitation sector.
According to the statement In his response, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, applauds the Federal Government for granting Akwa Ibom the hosting rights for the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation.
The statement says the governor pledges to act on the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry
The governor highlights ongoing state-led WASH interventions, to include the installation of sanitation facilities in schools expresses optimism that the forthcoming National Council Meeting will provide a platform for experts to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental vision in the water and sanitation sector.
