RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO ELIMINATE QUACKS IN THE WATER SECTOR TO ERADICATE WATER BORNE DISEASES.

Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate quacks in the water sector to eradicate water borne diseases and ensure quality water consumption for residents of the state.

State Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Dr Tamunosis Gogo Jaja who stated this while declaring open a three day stakeholders forum on Water Management and Regulation in Port Harcourt, said the present administration which placed premium on the safety of Rivers Residents would not compromise the health standards of those living and doing business in the state.

Dr Gogo Jaja urged sachet water business and borehole owners transacting business in Rivers State to key into the development policy of the state government in the water sector to ensure standard in the provision of water for Residents of the State are inline with the Water Sector Development Law.

He assured of government’s determination to rid the streets of Port Harcourt and stores of fake water as part of deliberate steps of Governor Nyesom Wike led administration to regulate the water sector and ensure high standards.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Lolo Isaiah Opuda while commending the State Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural Development for his achievements in the water sector, said the Assembly would ensure implementation of the Rivers State Water Sector Development Law, 2012 to enhance sanctity in the water industry in the state.

The Chairman, Rivers State Water Services Regulatory Commission, Christopher Obasiolu in his paper titled “Regulating the Water Industry: the Rivers State Experience” said the State Government had embarked on major reforms in a bid to constitute a good water regime aimed at managing, protecting, restoring and developing the water sector in the state.

Radio Rivers Correspondent, Francis Golden reports that sachet water operators and Borehole drillers from the twenty-three LGAs of the State participated in the event.