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FG, A/Ibom Collaborate on Water, Sanitation, Flood Control

By Abbas Nazil

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State government to improve water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and flood control measures across the state.

This was made known by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during a courtesy visit to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Bassey Eno, at the Government House in Uyo on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

The minister commended the Akwa Ibom State government for its willingness to host the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, describing the event as a crucial platform for driving national progress in the water and sanitation sector.

He reiterated the federal government’s dedication to enhancing WASH infrastructure and mitigating flood risks through collaboration with the state.

Highlighting key flood control measures, Prof. Utsev stated that the federal government is working closely with the Akwa Ibom State Flood Management Committee to activate four proposed pilot areas.

These efforts include the implementation of early warning systems, increased community awareness campaigns to improve disaster preparedness, capacity-building programs to strengthen resilience, and investments in flood defense infrastructure to reduce the impact of floods in vulnerable communities.

The Minister also provided updates on major infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Nkari Dam, which is currently 55 percent completed.

He noted that the dam is a priority project under the current administration, with the potential to irrigate over 500 hectares of farmland, supply water, support fisheries, and enhance food security.

Utsev underscored the significance of the Itu Irrigation Project, which aims to develop 2,000 hectares of land for year-round agriculture and flood control.

He called for stronger collaboration with the state government to accelerate its implementation.

In further support of water quality and sanitation, Utsev announced that Akwa Ibom State had been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the federal government’s initiative to establish two Reference Laboratories per geopolitical zone.

These laboratories will be instrumental in curbing waterborne diseases by facilitating comprehensive borehole water testing.

Prof. Utsev also outlined various World Bank-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening water and sanitation services nationwide.

He encouraged the Akwa Ibom State Government to actively participate in programs such as the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH), and the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project.

In response, Governor Umo Bassey Eno expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for granting Akwa Ibom the hosting rights for the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation.

He assured that his administration would thoroughly review and act on the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

The Governor highlighted ongoing state-led WASH interventions, particularly the installation of sanitation facilities in schools, and expressed optimism that the upcoming National Council Meeting would provide a strategic platform for experts to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for water and sanitation development.

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