Follow Us on Google
From Isaac Job, Uyo
Residents of Ikot Ebo Ikono community in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have expressed their joy as the state governor pastor Umo commissioned solar- powered water project after decades of living without access to water in the community .
at the weekend, narrated years of hardship faced by residents in accessing clean water and basic services as the state government commissioned a solar-powered water project in the community.
It was gathered that the water project was part of the Arise Water Project to the community by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno but inaugurated by his Special Assistant on Digital Marketing and Social Media Mr. Uduak Inwang for the people
The Village Head of Ikot Ebo Ikono Etteidung Samuel Moses Udoh while delivering his address at the commissioning ceremony narrated how lack water for many years in the community increased suffering of the people .
“Our people suffered for many years. Some trekked long distances to fetch water, while others went as far as Urua Mkpafi in Etinan Local Government Area just to charge their phones as there was no electricity to link the area
“. This project will ease the burden on our people.”
He appreciated governor Eno for his consideration to the community and appointed indigene of the area into his administration.
The monarch also commended Inwang for what he described as consistent goodwill toward the village, even before he was appointed by pastor Umo Eno .
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Ubuo Ubuo who represented governor Umo Eno said the present administration in the state remains committed to extending potable water to rural communities through the Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWATSAN).
“Our focus is to ensure that rural dwellers have access to safe drinking water.
” This administration will continue to support initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of our people”
He commended Inwang for complementing government efforts and charged the youth of Ikot Ebo Ikono to protect the facility from vandals .
Other News
“The strength of every community lies in the youth. You must take ownership of this project and safeguard it”
Providing an overview of the project, the wife of the donor, Engr. Itoro Atakpa, said it was conceived to address pressing challenges confronting residents on a daily basis.
“People had to walk long distances to get water and pay significant amounts just to charge their phones. This project was designed to solve those problems”
Atakpa explained that the water facility comprises a 150-foot borehole powered by two 644-watt bi facial solar panels, which pump water regularly into a 5,000-litre capacity overhead tank.
“The system supplies water through 3 public outlets for community use, in addition to limited private connections”
In his remarks, Mr Uduak Inwang, described water as a basic human right and adding that the project was his way of giving back to a peaceful community that supported him and governor Umo Eno .
“I am grateful to the Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity given me to serve. That opportunity made it possible for me to give back to my people”
He noted that the project’s location was agreed after consultations with community leaders to ensure it would serve the majority of residents.
Inwang disclosed that that an attendant would be employed to manage the facility.
He therefore called on residents of the community to continue to support the administration of pastor Umo Eno and instructed them to register in the ongoing voters registration to enable them participate actively in future elections.
The Secretary of Uyo Local Government Council, Mr. Ubong Udofia inn his goodwill message applauded Inwang for what he described as a deliberate decision to return home and make a difference.
“He did not forget his people. This is what leadership and service should look like.”
The event also featured the formal handover of a Community Phone Charging Station, another component of the initiative aimed at reducing the cost and stress of mobile phone charging for members of the community.
