A’Ibom govt to revive public water system

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded a plan to revive the public water system across the state to ensure that residents have access to a potable water supply for healthy living.

The new Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd) disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after a facilities tour of projects in his ministry.

Ekong said the water resources bill which is currently in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly when passed into law would provide adequate water supply to residents.

He said the bill tagged: “Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Sector Management and Regulation Bill 2022” has passed through second reading at the House of Assembly.

According to him, the House of Assembly has assured the government of expeditious passage of the bill before ending of April.

He said the water resources bill would also promote a healthy water supply, especially for the increasing population of our state and further boost the state’s partnership with donor agencies.

He added that the Bill would encourage partnerships with corporate agencies in the provision of hygienic and potable water to rural communities.

“First of all, if you check back on the items of last week, immediately I got into office, I started working with the State House of Assembly to move the water resources bill to a public hearing stage.

“I believe that by the close of this month, that water resources bill will be passed to law. Assiduously too, immediately after the Easter holidays, I’ll request most humbly His Excellency to assent to that bill. So, we can have a water law.

“The assent of the water resources law is the beginning of our seriousness to have portable water, provision of water, water control and everything that has to do with water, including international donors corporation.

“So, we won’t wait until the bill is passed.  Before the end of this month, we’ll have that law signed,” Ekong said.

The commissioner, who inspected the Dakkada Luxury Estate commended Gov Udom Emmanuel for the concept of the estate and called on Akwa Ibom people to avail themselves of the opportunity and own a plot in the estate.

He urged the Marketing Department of the Dakkada Luxury Estate to concentrate their marketing more on the people within the state and also extend it beyond.

Ekong said with the inauguration of the Board of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, more incentives and ideas would be generated to improve the development of the estate.

The commissioner said his coming on board of the state executive council was to add value to the present administration and work towards the governor’s completion agenda.

Some of the projects visited included; the Ewet Model Primary School, the site of the Primary Health Centre and a low-cost housing estate in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.