EDTF, Rotary inaugurate water project in schools in Bayelsa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund (EDTF) has inaugurated a 9,000-litre water project for a primary and secondary school at Tungbo in Sagbama Local Government Area.

The ceremony was held on Friday at the premises of Government Comprehensive School, Tungbo.

The EDTF said the project, which is in partnership with Rotary Club of Yenagoa, District 9141 would address the water needs of students and teachers as well as check the spread of waterborne diseases.

The inaugurated projects included a borehole, water tanks, tank stands, generating sets and other accessories at the Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Community Primary School 1 and the National Youth Service Corps Lodge all in Tungbo Community.

Inaugurating the projects, Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, Dr. Gentle Emelah commended the efforts of the EDTF and partners for the school intervention initiatives which according to him would improve the quality of education in the state.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Dr Charles Daniel, who also applauded the project, stated that it would help to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other water-borne diseases in the schools.

In an address, Executive Secretary of EDTF Dr. Alice Atuwo and the Acting Chairman of the EDTF, Prof. Francis Sikoki said the scheme was part of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative of the Agency geared towards the provision of basic amenities in schools.

President of Rotary Club, Yenagoa District 9141, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey and the District Governor, Rotary District 9141, Rotarian Chinedu Ikeguani represented by the Past Assistant Governor, Mr Chris Denedo said the organization was committed to partnerships that would embark on programmes aimed at improving lives in the society.

The Principal of GCSS Tungbo, Mr. Eghoromrere Benin, students at the benefitting schools and community leadership led by the Ibenanaowei of Tungbo Clan, King Coleman Agbalalah and the Amananaowei of Tungbo Ibe, Retired Lieutenant Commodore Amos Poubinafa were all full of gratitude to the EDTF and Rotary for the gesture.

The high points of the ceremony were the debate and cultural performance by the students.