World Bank Loan: RSG Assures On Judicious Use

The Rivers State Government has promised to put into judicious use, the recently approved World bank Loan for water projects in the state.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Ms Patricia Simon-Hart, who said this at the official flag-off ceremony of the Rivers State Water Services regulatory Commission yesterday in Port Harcourt, said that the loan would be used to rehabilitate infrastructures at the Rumuola and Eagle Island Water Mega Stations, as well as expand the Phase 1 Port Harcourt Water Scheme.
She said that the reforms in the water sector would encourage private sector participation in the sector to improve efficiency and support government’s effort in the provision of services in a way that the investment would continue to increase.
Simon-Hart also said that the commission will establish internal operations bench marks and standard of operations for water and waste water service providers in the state.
“The Rivers State Water Services Regulatory Commission is the second of its kind in the country.
“It is our hope that even as service provision is reintroduced in most places in the state, the regulation that shall govern the sector and ensure service sustainability is in place”, she said.
She thanked the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for the political would to reform the water sector in the state.
While performing the flag off ceremony, the State Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Mr. Levi Gogo Charles, said that the commission has the sole objective of ensuring sustainable water provision in the State.
Hon. Charles, who represented the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at the ceremony, also said that the commission will not witch-hunt anyone, and listed some benefits of the commission to include, a reduction in water borne diseases, thereby guaranteeing good health for the citizenry.
He also described the World Bank loan as a step in the right direction, stressing that the loan would be used for the overall benefit of the people.