COMMISSIONER CHARGES PEOPLE ON WATER MANAGEMENT
By Jethro Yerga
The Taraba State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yusufu Nya Akirikwen has charged Tarabans to consciously avoid all tendencies that would impede the quality and quantity of water sources in the state.
The commissioner gave this charge while speaking at the occasion of the World Water Day, held at the Trade Fair Complex Jalingo.
Hon. Akirikwen noted that Taraba State is blessed with abundant water resources through the various rivers in the state and it was the collective responsibility of all Tarabans to discourage every form of abuse of water bodies that would impede the quality and quantity of water in the state.
“In almost all beginning of all seasons, we are been reminded that people who settled around riverine areas should be mindful about over flooding, yet we don’t find portable water to drink. That is why you and I become very important in the chain. To ensure that water for drinking is made available to everybody in the state.” He said.
The commissioner further appreciated Governor Darius Ishaku’s determination towards creating an enabling environment for the service providers as well as stake holders to consistently supply quality water to the good people of Taraba State.
He identified Payment of counterpart funding, upgrading of infrastructure and engagement of 50 young graduates in the ministry as some of the laudable efforts the governor had put in place to ensure that Taraba does not lack water.
Hon. Akirikwen also revealed that the governor had been consistent in the approval and release of monthly support fund for the operation and maintenance of water across the state and in the training of staff on water related issues.
He said the creation of TAWASCO, drilling of rural bore holes and provision of Jalingo Water Scheme to add to the existing schemes among many other policies initiated and executed by the governor would go a long way towards making portable water easily accessible by Taraba people and called on Tarabans to support the government and the service providers efforts in order to make quality water available and accessible by everybody across the state.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary, Ministry of water resources, Engr. Musa Siam said the World Water Day celebration in the state was a conscious effort by the Ministry to remind the world to reconsider its approach to the way it handle water owing to the premium position of the commodity in the lives of the people.
He advised Tarabans to avoid putting chemicals in the water bodies but protect it from abuse and pollution so as to improve the safety of the people in the state.
The permanent Secretary commended Governor Darius Ishaku for been very responsive and for committing a lot of resources and energy to ensure availability of water in the state.
He noted that the governor had committed over eight billion naira for the Jalingo water project and was consistent in releasing the monthly operational maintenance fund to ensure that the ministry operates and maintain its water facilities across the state.
While harping on the bright days ahead of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary revealed that the ministry had been privileged to enjoy another Phase of African World Bank intervention in Rural Water sector which according to him would propelled them to do more for the state.
In his closing remark at the event, the Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Daniel Yaro, described water as an indispensable commodity that must be protected and preserve by all people and pledged the Ministry’s determination to do its best in order to make quality water available to all communities in the state.
