Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has announced that 30 Ogoni communities now have access to clean and potable water as part of its ongoing efforts to restore the environment and improve public health in hydrocarbon-impacted areas.
Speaking in commemoration of World Water Day, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasized the critical role of clean water in restoring dignity, improving public health, and securing a better future for the people of Ogoniland.
“HYPREP recognizes the importance of clean and safe water, particularly for hydrocarbon-impacted communities in Ogoniland. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the people of Ogoniland have access to this basic necessity,” Zabbey stated.
He noted that this year’s World Water Day theme, “Glacier Preservation,” extends beyond global climate concerns to local realities, emphasizing the need to protect streams, lakes, wetlands, rivers, and groundwater to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
Zabbey stressed that HYPREP’s intervention in water provision aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP Report on Ogoniland, which highlighted severe contamination of drinking water sources due to decades of oil pollution.
“The UNEP Report made clear recommendations for restoring contaminated water sources, and HYPREP has remained steadfast in implementing these recommendations,” he stated.
He explained that HYPREP has taken a multi-faceted approach to addressing the water crisis by rehabilitating existing water infrastructure, constructing new water facilities, and implementing sustainable water management strategies.
“Our efforts in this regard include rehabilitating existing water infrastructure, establishing new facilities—including the recently commissioned water schemes in Bunu and Beeri communities—and implementing sustainable water management strategies,” he noted.
Zabbey emphasized that these efforts have significantly improved access to potable water in Ogoniland, ensuring that thousands of residents no longer rely on contaminated water sources.
“As of today, 30 Ogoni communities have access to potable water. Our potable water projects are designed to provide sustainable solutions that meet the needs of impacted communities,” he declared.
While highlighting the importance of water preservation, Zabbey called on government agencies, international organizations, community leaders, and other Niger Delta communities to actively participate in efforts to protect water sources and support environmental restoration in Ogoniland.
“We call on all stakeholders—government agencies, international organizations, and community leaders—to join us in this effort. Together, we can ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to clean water and that the environment is protected for future generations,” he urged.
He further noted that HYPREP’s work goes beyond water provision, extending to environmental restoration and building structures for peace in Ogoniland.
“Water is life, and together, we can ensure that everyone in Ogoniland and beyond has access to clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water. Let us unite to protect our water resources and secure a healthier future,” Zabbey concluded.
