Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Stakeholders in the water sector has commended Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom for signing the Water Resources Sector Management and Regulation Bill 2022 into law.
Project Director, Ibom Water Sanitaton and Hygiene (WASH+) Prof. Gabriel Umoh made the commendation yesterday during the inauguration of the executive committee of Ibom WASH media in Uyo.
Umoh, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of African Human Development Centre noted that the new law was a welcome development and would improve the water sector in the state.
He commended the Ibom WASH + members, stakeholders in the water sector and the media for their commitment and contributions towards ensuring the improvement of water, sanitation and hygiene in the state.
“What we have to do is to continue to push for the approval of WASH policy.
“The Monitoring and Evaluation framework and the Open Defecation Free roadmap are ready, so we still have to continue to push for the government to approve these documents for use so that the next regime will be looking at implementation.” He said.
Commenting on the inauguration of the executive committee, the project director, who congratulated the newly elected executive members, urged them to hit the ground running with specific assignment to ensure the sustainability of WASH programme in the state.
In a remark, Managing Director, Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, Engr Edo Etim, expressed happiness for the passage of the water resources bill into law, saying it was in the best interest of the water industry.
Etim, who observed that the water industry was not properly regulated until the passage of the bill, posited that the law would bring sanity into the water sector of the state.
According to the MD, “this is the first concerted effort made by the governor in trying to give us a direction”, adding that the law will boost partnership with development partners and donor agencies.”
While commending WASH+ on the inauguration of the media committee, Etim said the initiative was apt, as it would enhance proper reportage of the water sector and disclosed that the process of revamping the water company was ongoing.
State cmmissioner for Information and strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong inaugurated the Ibom WASH media committee with a charge on them to create awareness about WASH activities and pledged government’s commitment and support to the committee.
Chairman of the media committee, Mr Harris Emmanuel thanked members for finding them worthy to serve and promised to discharge their duties well toward ensuring approval of WASH policy framework through carrying out adequate publicity of WASH activities.
Other members of the committee include, Ajie Nelson, Vice chairman; Ima Dem, Secretary; Theresa Dan, Assistant secretary; and Victor Essang, PRO while Mrs Grace Akpan and Joan Imaisong are to serve as advisors.
