In line with the determination of the three tiers of government to work together to enable adequate supply of potable water to Nigerians, the Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Reng Ochekpe, has commissioned two water projects: the New Katsina-Ala and Anyiin water projects built by the Benue State Government.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on September 7, 2012, Ochekpe reiterated the preparedness of the Federal Government to provide adequate and potable water to Nigerians and improve sanitation.
According to a statement by Boade Akinola, the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Water Resources, Ochekpe noted that although the states have the responsibility of ensuring water distribution to homes, the Federal government intervenes from time to time to improve access to water.
“As part of Federal Government’s intervention, 50 boreholes were constructed by the Federal Government in Benue State in recent time,” she said.
The three tiers have shared responsibility in provision of water and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources provides the overall policy framework for coordination and regulation.
Ochekpe charged the women to take adequate care of the water project and maintain high standard hygiene, observing that they suffer most when there is scarcity of water and poor sanitation.
She therefore charged them to form what she termed ‘Water Guard Group’ for proper maintenance and protection of the facility for sustainability
Earlier, the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, said that with the construction of the New Katsina-Ala Water Project, the problem of water shortage has been addressed.
Suswam said the extended water project in Anyiin community is a clear manifestation of democratic dividend and will take care of Anyiin and its environs.
According to him, three wells were drilled in support of the two existing ones to be able to pump water to every home within the communities.
The Anyiin Water Project, which is currently pumping 1,241,000 litres of water per week, has pumped over 59,150,520 litres to date.
“The water project is capable of producing 133 per cent more water than the current demands of Anyiin town,” Suswam said.
The governor further pledged the effort of his administration to ensure that the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is attained.