9th November, 2022
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development in Rivers, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, says the State Government will soon clamp down every form of illegal and substandard water factories operating across the State.
He said the government will set up an enforcement taskforce to enforce the policy.
The Commissioner said the aim will be to ensure that the quality of water delivered to the public meets certain standards in line with relevant water laws.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Water Producers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter (WAPAN) to his office in Port- Harcourt, Professor Ebeku said the provision of potable water is critically important in view of the fact that water is life, noting that absence of good quality and safe water may lead to proliferation of water-borne diseases.
He urged the leadership of WAPAN to advise their members to do the needful by complying with the Rivers State Water Development Law of 2012 which regulates water production operations in the State to avoid been sanctioned by the Taskforce.
“Your contributions are recognised by the government but it is important for you to know that water is used for different purposes and of course the human body needs alot of safe water to survive.”
The Commissioner said the standard and quality of water produced in the State must be maintained at all times in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.
Earlier, the State Chapter Chairman of WAPAN, Mr Egberi Odiri Mackson, said their visit was to congratulate the Commissioner on his appointment and assured him of their continued willingness to partner the government and the Commissioner in achieving the Ministry’s set objectives.
Maskson expressed hope that the relationship between his organization and the Ministry will be strengthened for the good and betterment of the people of the State and humanity.