Passage of water resources bill beginning of seriousness to access portable water_Commissioner
The Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd), has said that the water resources bill currently in the State House of Assembly when passed into law, would revive the public water system across the state.
He disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after touring facilities under his ministry Tuesday.
According to him, once the bill is signed into law, the ministry would ensure that residents have access to a potable water supply for healthy living.
Tagged, “Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Sector Management and Regulation Bill 2022”, he explained that it has passed through second reading at the House of Assembly, assuring that government would expedite action for the passage of the bill before the end of April.
The commissioner who has sworn into office two weeks ago, said that the water resources bill would also promote a healthy water supply, especially for the increasing population of our state, and further boost the state’s partnership with donor agencies.
Besides, he opined that the Bill would encourage partnerships with corporate agencies in the provision of hygienic and 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 will request most humbly His Excellency to assent to that bill. So, we can have a water law.
“The assent of the water resources law is the beginning of our seriousness to have portable water, provision of 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 will have that law signed,” he said.
The commissioner, who inspected the Dakkada Luxury Estate commended the governor for the concept of the estate and called on the 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 their marketing more on the people within the state and also extend it beyond.
According to him, with the inauguration of the Board of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, more incentives and ideas would be generated to improve the development of the estate.
He 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, the site of the Primary Health Centre, and a low-cost housing estate in Ibiono Ibom and Nung Atte in Ibesikpo/Asutan council areas.
