The Delta State House of Assembly has promised to work closely with the State Ministry of Water Resources at enhancing performance of the state government in water sector development in the state.
The Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, Hon Peter Uviejitobor made the promise when he led other members of the Committee on courtesy visit to the new Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Hon Evelyn Oboro in her office in Asaba, the state capital.
Hon Uviejitobor who represents Udu Constituency in the House, said the visit was to familiarize members of the Committee with the new commissioner and her management team and to seek ways for effective collaboration that would enhance the performance of the Ministry.
The Chairman, Assembly Committee on Water Resources, acknowledged the success stories of the Okowa’s administration in the provision of portable water to parts of the state, saying that much is still being expected in that regards across the state.
The Lawmaker accompanied by two members of the Committee, Hon Pat Ajudua, Oshimili North and Austin Uroye, WarriSouth One Constituency, assured of adequate budgetary provisions that would further promote efficiency in the water sector development.
Hon Uviejitobor also assured that his led Committee of Water Resources would not be found wanting in its oversight duties, saying that from time to time members will visit sites of projects being handled by the ministry to ascertain progress of work in line with budgetary provisions.
The Water Resources Commissioner, Rt Hon Evelyn Oboro thanked the Committee for it willingness to work with the ministry to actualize government policies in water development and make more progress in the sector in the state.
Hon Oboro said from her findings the Okowa’s administration in the past six years has done a lot for Deltans through the Ministry of Water Resources but not many people are aware of the achievements in the water sector.
The Commissioner, a former member of the National Assembly agreed with the Committee on the need for collaboration to achieve greater progress in the sector, saying that effective oversight was key in democratic governance.
She told the Committee members that some projects executed by the state government and handed over to communities were not being well taken care, stressing that even the communities still expect government to continue to maintain the projects for them.
Oboro informed the legislators that the contractor handling the Warri/Effurun Water Reservoir Project has promised to within the next nine months complete the first phase of the project, saying that over 5000 residents will benefit from it.
She also brief the Lawmakers on the state of the Ogbegonogo Water Project and the ongoing extension work in the area, disclosing that the ministry is presently handling some of the challenges observed during her visit to the site.
The Commissioner described as laudable the Okpanam ATM Dispensing Water Project and announced plans to replicate the projects across the remaining twenty four local government areas of the state.
Hon Oboro stated that water is life and that the Okowa’s administration is determined to give life to Deltans, maintaining communities across the state, especially areas that are densely populated should be provided with clean water.
