…as the water resources management bill passes second reading
By Bassey Endurance.
The member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh PhD has called on his fellow lawmakers of the 7th Akwa Ibom Assembly to give an urgent/accelerated attention to the water resources Bill for it to be a law.
Dr. Akpanusoh an erudite representative who is known for supporting/contributing meaningful points to human centric bills made this known Tuesday during the house plenary session when he gave node while throwing his weight behind the bill.
Leading the debate on the Bill earlier at Plenary the Leader of the House, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), said the Bill, when passed into Law, will provide for the development and regulation of the water sector.
He noted that the Bill will provide for the establishment of a Water Sanitation Agency, Water Council and Regulatory Commission as well as Wastewater Management and other related matters.
According to the Lawmaker, “the Bill will also promote healthy water supply, especially for the increasing population of our state. it will further boost the state’s partnership with donor agencies.”
Hence, In his contribution, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh (Ibeno/Esit Eket) said “the Bill will encourage partnerships with corporate agencies in the provision of hygienic and portable water to rural communities”.
Dr Akpanusoh appealed to the House to give the Bill accelerated hearing and speedy passage, maintaining that it will address issues of vandalism of water pipes by oil companies.
Also speaking support of the bill, the Deputy House Leader, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis Akpan (Etinan), opined that the Bill will ensure strict supervision of borehole drilling and prevent possible natural disasters occasioned by improper drilling of boreholes in the state.
