AKWA IBOM MARKS WORLD WATER DAY
Call for enactment of water law to protect against wastage
As Akwa Ibom State joins the rest of the world to mark the 2021 World Water Day, stakeholders in the water subsector have called for the enactment of water law to regulate and control water supply business in the State.
This was contained in the submissions of the different stakeholders at the event marking the 2021 World Water Day held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno noted that it was significant to appreciate the importance placed on water by the world, adding that it was necessary to value water and conserve it without wastage.
The Commissioner who maintained that the theme of the 2021 World Water Day “Valuing Water” was quite germane, stated that neither humans nor living things can survive without water.
According to him, “Water has a great value in every living creature on earth. So as a people, we should begin to advocate for the conservation and preservation of the water that we have. We should also monitor to ensure that our people have best of potable water.”
For the records, since 1993, World Water Day has become a global celebration held on March 22 of every year with a focus on the importance of freshwater.
In a goodwill message, the member representing Esit Eket and Ibeno State Constituency, Rt Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh commended the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources for hosting the 2021 World Water Day, stressing that the value of water cannot be overemphasized.
Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh who is Chairman, House Committee on public Utility and Rural Development, expressed willingness and readiness to partner relevant stakeholders for the development of water resources and ensure portable water for Akwa Ibom people.
The House Member emphatically assured that the “Water Bill” will be given speedy attention to birth a law that will help regulate the activities of water businesses in the State for the good of Akwa Ibom people.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Hon. Ndiana – Abasi Nnana Udom noted that the need for synergy was paramount as there were agencies to access for funds in order to meet the water needs of Akwa Ibom people.
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for approving the counterpart funds for the implementation of donor agencies intervention in the water sector, adding that they were committed to effective and judicious utilization of the funds in line with the objectives of all Multilaterals and Donor Agencies.
The event featured paper presentations on Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Prospect and Challenges, Akwa Ibom Water Company Road Map, and Water and Sustainable Development Goal by Elder Nse Ekpoataha (Director Water Resources), Engr. Edo Bassey Etuk (MD – Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited), and Saviour Peter Udo (Head of Water Resources Department, AKRUWATSAN) respectively.
