By Our reporter
The Cross River Basin Development Authority has said the proposed Water Bill before the National Assembly would, when eventually passed into law, help in regulating standards and unhygienic use of water, for the good of the common man.
The Managing Director (MD) of the Basin Development Authority, Engr. Bassey Nkposong, said this during the maiden celebration of World Rivers Day which had the theme ‘Water Ways in our Communities,’ held in the internationally acclaimed tourist site, Kwa Falls, in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River state.
He said: “Realizing the huge importance of Rivers to the overall development of humans, it behooves on us to pay close attention to the preservation and sustenance of this resource.
“Apart from ensuring that water ways are cleared and dumping of refuse strictly monitored, legislation on the proper use of water and its resources should be put in place and judiciously adhered to.
‘It is against this background that one welcomes the proposed water bill by the National Assembly. It is expected that when the bill is eventually passed into law, regulations and standards will be maintained and enforced for the good of the Nation.”
Nkposong warned against defecating and dumping of refuse in waterways, polution of as well as discharge of sewage and untreated effuents into rivers.
He noted that “It is high time to note that our Rivers are not refuse dump, and it is against good conscience to defecate in the Rivers as its pollution may be the cause of sickness and death. It is important we kick against the discharge of sewage into our Rivers while at the same time discouraging the dumping of untreated effluent into the Rivers.
“As we join the world in celebrating this year’s World Rivers Day, we call on all, especially those in our catchment, to see the River as a double edged sword which can help to enhance lives while at the same time being a source of destruction and agony for the entire community.”
Explaining why the campaign was taken to the popular Kwa Water Falls, Mkposong said “this Rivers is the main hub of the project as its flood plains provides the agricultural energy for the project. Our survival ultimately rest on the sustenance of our Rivers and the water ways.
“The Itu Irrigation and flood control projects with over 2000 hectares of land, for example, is situated at the Ayadehe end of the Cross River. Sea food and mineral deposits obtained from Rivers have no doubt contributed greatly to Nigeria’s development. It is unarguably the source for employment and sustenance for most people.”
High point of the celebration was the planting of trees in Calabar and the Kwa Falls as well as a road walk in the Calabar metropolis to sensitize residents on proper utilizatiin of God”s gift to humanity, water.
