Gov. Dickson seeks FG collaboration to tackle water challenges

Bayelsa State governor,  Seriake Dickson has called on the Federal Government and development partners to tackle challenges associated with access to potable water in the state.

Dickson made this call when a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources visited him in Yenagoa on Thursday.

He said the state was faced with salt water intrusion and environmental challenges, hence the inability to provide potable water for the people of the state.

The governor said there was the need for all arms of government to make access to potable water a priority, saying that this was the only way development would be complete.

“The subject of water is very important, it is central to all sectors of socioeconomic development, we have water everywhere in Bayelsa, but not enough to drink and use domestically.

“That is why we are calling on the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders to do more to make water available for our people,” he said.

Dickson commended the Federal Government for the speedy completion of the Ogbia Water supply project, saying that it would go a long way to increase access to potable water and improved livelihood.

He said no administration should abandon previously commenced development projects due to political differences, adding that Ogbia communities would be eternally grateful for the water project.

The governor added that his administration was committed to the provision of potable water, “however, I cannot do it alone, hence the need for other stakeholders to come in.’’

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said the aim of the visit was to inaugurate the Ogbia Water supply project which was one of the priority projects of this administration.

He said the ministry was optimistic that the host communities would begin to enjoy the benefits of the water project, saying this was the smart thing to do.

Adamu said government’s decision to complete the abandoned project was a direct response to deplorable water situation in the area, adding that attention would be given to others across the country.

He said the Federal Government would not allow political sentiments in its activities because its target was to make sure that all Nigerians had access to potable water.

According to him, this will go a long way to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. (NAN)