By Michael Odiah
The Delta State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Fidelis Telije has disclosed that Power has been a major problem in driving the water schemes across the State, adding that the schemes are driven by generating plants, as cost of renewable energy to drive the water schemes is outrageous and overwhelming high.
Tilije stated this on Monday, April 30, 2018 at the 2018 Ministerial Press Briefing stressing that, the use of generating plants which entails the constant supply of Diesel at maximum capacity of the plants for 2-3 times weekly, is still not sufficient, submitting that it is the reason why people think that the schemes are not working because the generators are not powered.
He further disclosed that the state currently operates a 900 water scheme baseline with 630 functional.
Speaking on the achievements of its Ministry, the Commissioner said that stand taps on roadsides will not be visible around the Asaba Metropolis, but rather pipes will be laid to homes as the Ministry is working to deliver water straight to individual homes, saying, “it will be absurd to see people carrying jerry cans, bucket and basins in search of potable water on the streets of Asaba”.
Telije further informed that when the Water Bill before the House of Assembly comes on stream, it will not be imposed on Deltans, but said, “if you want the water; we will give you prepaid meter and you pay as you use, if you don’t want it, no problem”, adding that, “upon the emergence of the water law, there will be enforceable clauses. For instance, if you want to sink a new borehole, you need a permit”.
He noted that this Water Law is for the benefits of Deltans and to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases which evidently needs healthcare which milks both the citizens and also the government which subsidizes healthcare in the state.
On the Water Testing in the state capital, the Water Resources Commissioner said that the essence of water testing in not for generating revenue, but to ensure the safety of the citizens of the state, as the cost price of water testing which was placed at N10,000 was subsidized by the state government to N5,000.
Tilije further disclosed that the State Government is pushing hard to get the Federal Government to complete the Dam project at Ogwashi-Uku and handed over to the state, noting that the dam will serve a great purpose in moving water to Ogwashi-Uku the host community, Ubulu-Uku, Ibusa and the Capital Territory for domestic use and irrigation purposes.
