By Dikedi Veronica
Delta State Government has said that a minimum of N3.6 billion was being invested yearly on over 600 water schemes across the state, with a view to achieveing goal six of the sustainable development goal.
The Commissioner for Water Resources Development , Hon. Mariere stated this during an inspection tour across Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ndokwa West and Isoko North to ascertain the operational status of some projects in order to deliver on the mandate of his ministry.
Mariere expressed satisfaction with the state of the projects inspected while disclosing that more commitments would be made in the sector to improve service delivery.
Mariere revealed that water committees were in the process of being set up to address the issue of taking care of water projects in the state,as the model of handing over projects to communities to manage was not yielding expected results.
He emphasised the need for provision of security for water facilities to reduce theft on government properties while urging communities to up their game in view of keeping the water scheme sites cleared of weeds.
At Ebu Community, he advised that pipes should be relayed and ordered the contractor handling the water scheme to return to site as the state government had fulfill its counterpart funding of the project.
The commissioner, while inspecting the Akumazi Water Scheme pumping station said the power supply should be changed from diesel plant generator to public electricity supply, stressing that the price of diesel was too high.
The Oliego Umuseti in Ndokwa West Eater Scheme was functional, but faced with some challenges on linkage of the chlorine cylinder and the generator broken exhaust pipe.
Mariere ordered for the repairs immediately.
The team also visited Owhologbo and Otor Iyede, both in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The General Manager, Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), Engr.Tony Unuafe commended the state government and the commissioner for showing interest in the water sector.
He expressed the hope that all non-functional water projects under his agency would soon be rehabilitated and fully operational without hitches.
He also disclosed that a new water scheme would come on board in different towns, adding that the state would be collaborating with the World Bank on the sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, which was in its first year of implementation.
