By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno on Wednesday commissioned a solar-powered water scheme, complete with a reticulation network across six villages in Ogu-Itu Mbonuso, Ini Local Government Area of the state.
Daily Sun reports that the projects herald a new lease on life for beneficiary communities following decades of longing for potable water and a reliable irrigation system.
Speaking at the inauguration, the governor described the project as significant and aligned with his commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the people, positioning it as a major legacy of his administration.
He also announced the appointments of Owoidighe Udo Uyuho and Afia Princewill Okon as his Personal Assistants on Works, to oversee the maintenance of the water infrastructure.
Acknowledging Ini LGA as the rice belt and a vital player in the state’s agricultural sector, the governor emphasised the necessity of a reliable, year-round water source.
Eno explained that the water scheme was developed in response to community needs as presented by stakeholders, including Dr. Elisha Attai, during his campaign.
Assuring the people of an extension of water supply to the Ini General Hospital, the governor also announced new road projects for the LGA.
He urged communities benefiting from government projects to protect these facilities for the common good and announced the approval for the recruitment of two youths from each of the 2,272 villages in Akwa Ibom into the state’s community-based security outfit, the Ibom Community Watch, to collaborate with youth leaders and village councils.
Upon seeing the dilapidated Ogu Town Hall, the governor directed that it be replaced with a modern community centre under the Compassionate Home Scheme, complementing the homes already built and delivered within Ini LGA.
Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. (Mrs.) Enobong Mbobo, commended the governor’s dedication to ensuring a new lease on life for the people of Itu Mbonuso, despite the area’s challenging terrain.
She explained that the facility, with a 620-foot depth, 36,000-gallon overhead storage, and reticulation capacity spanning six villages, is equipped with a standard treatment plant to filter and regulate the pH level of the water, a pump guaranteed for 25 years, and a solar power system for uninterrupted operation.
The event also included expressions of goodwill and appreciation from community and local government stakeholders, who described the project as life-saving.
They recounted decades of suffering from various diseases and hardships in accessing water for both domestic and agricultural use.
Speakers included the Member representing Ini State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Lawrence Udoide; Chairman of Ini Local Government Council, Mr. Inibehe Umah; Political Leader of Ini, Professor Ini Udoka; Itu Mbonuso Clan Head, High Priest Joshua Iseh; Chairman of the Ogu Community Leadership Forum, Mr. Ime Etim; and Dr. Elisha Attai.