By Miriam Humbe
The Minister, Ministry of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said that government’s pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future, access to clean water and robust healthcare are foundational pillars.
The Minister said this on Tuesday when he commissioned water projects embarked upon by the Federal Government in Terabor, Korokoro, Kpean and Ebubu communities of Ogoniland.
The Minister and his team also inspected some healthcare facilities
He said: “The water scheme project we celebrate today is not merely a structure but a symbol of our commitment to providing clean and accessible water to the people of Ogoniland.
“Clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and this project is a testament to our dedication to ensuring this right for all citizens.
“Additionally, the inspection of health facilities in Ogoniland underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system.
“The well-being of our citizens is paramount and investing in healthcare infrastructure is an investment in the prosperity and vitality of our communities.
“As we commission this water scheme and assess our health facilities let us remember that our collective efforts are building blocks for a healthier environment and a more resilient community.
“The challenges ahead are significant but our determination is unwavering and collectively we will overcome all future obstacles.
“May this initiative serve as a beacon of progress and cooperation, fostering a future where the people of Ogoni can thrive in a clean and healthy environment.
“I would like to use this opportunity to solicit to our Traditional Rulers to continue to render their support and cooperation to Government in order to achieve our collective goal of providing a healthier, cleaner and safer environment in our communities.”
King Festus Bagia, the Gberemene of Bokana kingdom told the Minister to urgently save the HYPREP project from all pending challenges capable of delaying the project.
The king demanded of the Minister saying: “Sir, the ZRC in Gokana needs to be reconstituted, to allow the king and Gokana Divisional Council of Traditional rulers select notable traditional rulers of Peace, that can work together with CRAC for a result oriental step towards thc actualization of the mandate of HYPREP.
“The present CRAC and ZRC representatives were personally hand picked without the knowledge of the King and members of Gokana Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers. Ironically
“Some of them are now the problem to be solved instead of them solving problem in Gokana kingom, thus delaying the speed and progress of work.”
“We appreciate the effort so taken on the Livelihood programme.
“Provision of alternative Livelihood training for communities whose sources of income were imparted by oil spill is a key mandate of HYPREP project.
“We call on your support and constant monitoring of this programmes bringing to an end the bad days of oil bunkering (Kpo fire) and destruction of our land for a second time.
“We are convinced that if our youths are fully equipped with good starter packs after the training, then our land will be safe and develop.
“Water they say is life, good water is good life.
We call on you to create a monitoring team that will function as a regulatory team to supervise the activities of our contractor’s, this is as a result of the series of complaints from our various communities.
“The Gokana kingdom project monitoring team, set up by the king is fully equipped with Manpower to discharge this function.”
The king assured the Minister that he and the entire Gokana Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers would ensure peace on the project.
