In the process of ensuring that Ogoni communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have access to portable water, we embarked on an advocacy visit to the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development.
The purpose of the visit was to seek government support through the Ministry of Water Resources for the successful implementation of the HYPREP water project in Ogoni. HYPREP had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development which enabled HYPREP to have access to some of the government- owned water facilities in Ogoni for rehabilitation and maintenance. This agreement also allows the Ministry of Water Resources and rural development to play a monitoring role and also take over the government-owned facilities from HYPREP at the end of the rehabilitation and construction process. Kallop – HEC, Kebetkache Women, Ogoni Environmental Professionals and other CSO
members, who visited the Ministry, met with the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Miabiye E. Kalio, and his team. In our discussion, the Rivers State Government was commended for her co-orporation and handing over their water facilities in Ogoni to HYPREP. The team also expressed appreciation to the government for accepting to monitor the project for better results.
The meeting afforded us the opportunity to establish good relationship on trust and confidence; we were able to have conversation on how to support the project as well as government sustainability plan for the water project. Other participants of the meeting included, Engr. Amasomaso Emmanuel from the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Aalo, Ms. Emem Okon, Ms. Nelly Umoren, Ms. Mercy Akaninyene, Mr. Sunday Zorvah, Fabian Mansan, Damiam Gbogbara, Kentabe Obiaridor, Dr. Kabari Sam, Dr. Gentle Komii, and Dr. Tambeke Gbarakoro.
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Miabiye E. Kalio, informed participants that the Rivers State government has handed-over four water facilities in Ogoni communities to HYPREP. He said the government is also doing everything within its power to ensure that the right thing is done on the project. He further explained that although there are things HYPREP failed to do right, but assured that the Ministry will monitor the process, especially contractors’ activities to ensure that the people have water in the community. Mr. Kalio
disclosed that the first phase of the water project is more of rehabilitation of government owned water facilities. Mr. Kalio offered the olive branch to CSOs when he said that the Ministry is ready to work with them and other key stakeholders, not only to see that water is provided but also in ensuring that “portable water” is given to the community people.
