By Martha Igbiks
Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development on Friday, certified over 90 Table Water products in the State, having met the World Health Organization and National Drinking Water Standard, including the State government’s sampling test, carried out by Ministry’s Water Service Regulatory Commission.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja said, out of 2000 water factories that participated in the exercise, about 57 table water brands made the category A list, while category B and C whose product has one or more parameters to correct had 12 and 25 respectively.
The essence of sampling test exercise, Dr Gogo Jaja explained, is to enlighten the public to have informed choices on the potable water to consume and expressed the State government’s resolve to secure the health of residents, particularly children who are most vulnerable to contaminated water.
”Contaminated water has contributed to dull brain in most children, stunted growth, thyphoid fever and other water related ailments. A combination of it and hydrocarbon element is deadlier than black soot which can lead to cancer or organ failure” he stated.
The Commissioner urged water factories owners whose product made category A to maintain the standard and to ensure that their water is not adulterated, saying that, the Ministry will not setup any taskforce to check compliance as every parent is expected to drive home the message , ” No be all water be water”
Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja further called on security agencies to join hands in the Ministry’s regulatory drive by
questioning water van drivers who distribute their products uncovered, without a branded name, phone number or location address, including those that distribute at night from neighbouring states.
Also speaking, the Law Maker, representing Akuku- Toru Contituency II and House Committee Chairman on Water Resources in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Lolo Isaiah Opuende, commended Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja for the steps taken so far in ensuring that safe water is served in the State and thanked Governor Wike for appointing him to oversee the Ministry.
Hon Isaiah Opuende equally appreciated the Water Producers Association in the State for complying with the State government’s directives to present themselves for proper training and water testing process, adding that, their actions have proven that, they are law-abiding citizens of the State, warning that those who absconded the process, would l be rendered irrelevant or made to face the wrath of the law.
The law maker assured of the legislature’s support and legal backing to strengthen the Ministry’s policies and programme where necessary.
In his response, the Chairman, Water Producers Association of Nigeria, (WAPAN), Rivers State Chapter, Mr Egberi Markson applauded the State government and the Commissioner for the trainings given them and noted that, it has enhanced their knowledge of transacting their water business, saying , ”what’s seems like a joke is now a reality”
He assured of his association’s support to assist the Ministry in it’s regulatory drive.
