By Ameachi Prosper
Asaba: The absence of a comprehensive water policy in Delta State has been identified as a major factor the sector has suffered from poor coordination in the implementation of water projects
The State Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Sir. Okenmor Fidelis Tilije, canvassed this view at the flag-of ceremony of Testing and Data Analysis of Water Sources in Delta State, said combined with other problems, the absence of policy has culminated in continued poor safe water supply and sanitation services delivery in the state.
Tilije revealed that in carrying out the review of all water laws and polices as directed by governor Okowa, the Ministry discovered that even though there was a water policy at the national level, it absence in the state, has made it impossible to domesticate the relevant provisions of the National and Sanitation Policy which would have provided a comprehensive platform for the implementation of water projects and institutional capacities as well.
He added that it was the reasons why there are some five water schemes in one community built by government and other interventionist agencies of government while there are non at all in existence in some other communities.
“I am happy to note government’s decision to commence the operation of its own part of the year 2000 Urban Water Board law by flagging off and officially announcing in a loud and clear manner the testing and data analysis of all water sources in Delta State effectively”. He stressed.
He argued that most major killer diseases are either water borne or air borne, noting that it is a known fact that most water sources in the country are affected by water pollution and microbial water – bound contaminants which often manifest in cholera, typhoid, infertility, hypertension, cancer and several other diseases.
He warned that 99 percent sources of our drinking water is from ground water, that is borehole, which is the major source of water in the state, contrary to earlier believe is no longer safe. Maintaining that the only way one can be sure of safety of water supply is to carry out a periodic laboratory water testing and data analysis.
The safe water programme is a partnership of the state Ministry of Water Resources Development and Emani Global Network limited EGNL, which offers a wide range of Analytical and Microbiological Consulting Services.
