Overhead tank collapse at HYPREP’s Gwara water facility unfortunate – Deeyah

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Emmanuel Deeyah, has described as unfortunate the incident involving the collapse of an overhead tank at the newly commissioned Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Water Scheme in Gwara Community, Khana Local Government Area.

In a statement, he said as BoT Chairman, he approved the funds for HYPREP contracts in Ogoniland, and expressed personal concern over the incident, noting that Gwara is his hometown and emphasising the importance of delivering quality and sustainable infrastructure to the Ogoni people.

He clarified that the project site in Gwara was selected after a professional survey confirmed it as the highest point in the communities served by the water scheme—strategically chosen to benefit the greatest number of residents.

Deeyah firmly denied any involvement or influence in the awarding of the contract related to the project, stating that he neither knew nor received incentives from any contractor.

Following the incident, Deeyah reported that he has reached out to the HYPREP Project Coordinator, who assured him that steps are underway to investigate the collapse thoroughly and determine its cause. The Board Chairman described the event as a critical point in the ongoing efforts to provide clean water infrastructure in Ogoniland.

While awaiting the results of the official investigation, he appealed to the public and stakeholders to remain calm and exercise restraint in their reactions.

“The Ogoni Trust Fund and HYPREP remain committed to advancing environmental remediation and sustainable development projects across the region,” he said.