The joy of the Ogu-Itu Mbonuso community in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State knew no bounds as Governor Umo Eno commissioned a solar-powered water scheme with reticulation network in the area.
This is coming after decades of the people living without a clean source of water.
Inaugurating the project, Gov Eno described the project as important and in line with his commitment to leaving lasting impact on the lives of the people as his administration’s major legacy and 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 key player in the agricultural sector of Akwa Ibom State and deserving of an all-season reliable water source, the Governor explained that the water scheme was initiated in response to the yearning of the people as presented by stakeholders of the community through Dr. Elisha Attai during his campaign.
While further assuring the people of water supply to the Ini General Hospital, he also announced new road projects for the LGA.
He charged communities who have benefitted from government projects to ensure the protection of the facilities for the general good of the people, as he announced approval of the recruitment of two youths from each of the 2272 Akwa Ibom villages into the State’s community-based security outfit, the Ibom Community See, to work with youth leaders and village councils.
On sighting the dilapidated Ogu Town Hall, Governor Eno directed that it be replaced with a befitting community centre, under the compassionate home scheme, in addition to the already built and delivered homes within Ini LGA.
Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Enobong Mbobo, lauded the Governor’s determination at ensuring a new lease of life for the people of Itu Mbonuso, despite the challenging terrain of the area, explaining that the facility, with 620 Feet depth, 36,000 gallons overhead storage and reticulation capacity spanning across six villages, is finished with a standard treatment plant to filter and regulate the PH scale of the water, a 25-year guaranteed pump and a solar system for continuous power supply.
The event also featured expression of goodwill and appreciation from stakeholders of the community and local government area over the project which they described as life saving.
They revealed that they have for decades suffered various diseases and deaths due to lack of potable water as well as difficulty in even getting water for domestic use and farm irrigation.
Among the stakeholders who spoke were: 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 Ogu Community Leadership Forum, Mr. Ime Etim and Dr Elisha Attai.