By: PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom Government has taken steps to revive public water system across the state to ensure that residents have access to potable supply for healthy living.
The Commissioner of Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd) disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after facility tour of ongoing projects under his ministry.
Ekong said that the Water Resources Bill which is currently in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly when passed into law, would provide for adequate water supply to residents.
He said the bill tagged; “Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Sector Management and Regulation Bill 2022” has passed through second reading at the House of Assembly.
According to him, the House of Assembly has assured government of speedy passage of the bill before ending of April.
He said that the water resources bill would also promote healthy water supply, especially for the increasing population of the state and further boost its partnership with donor agencies.
He added that the bill would encourage partnership with corporate agencies in the provision of potable water to rural communities.
“First of all, if you check back on the items of last week, immediately I got into office, I started working with the State House of Assembly to move the water resources bill to a public hearing stage.
“I believe that by the close of this month, that Water Resources Bill will be passed into law. Assiduously too, immediately after the Easter holidays, I’ll request most humbly, His Excellency to assent to that bill. So, we can have a water kaw.
“The assent of the Water Resources Law is the beginning of our seriousness to have potable water, water control and everything that has to do with water, including international donors corporation.
“So, we won’t wait until the bill is passed. Before the end of this month, we’ll have that law signed,” Ekong assured.
The commissioner, who inspected the Dakkada Luxury Estate, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for the concept of the estate and called on Akwa Ibom people to avail themselves of the opportunity and own a plot in the estate.
He urged the marketing department of the Dakkada Luxury Estate to concentrate more on the people within the state and also extend it beyond.
Ekong said with the inauguration of the board of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, more incentives and ideas would be generated to improve on the development of the estate.
The commissioner said his coming on board of the state executive council was to add value to the present administration and work towards the governor’s completion agenda.
Some of the projects visited included; Ewet Model Primary School, site of Primary Health Centre and Low Cost Housing Estate in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
