As part of measures towards improving water supply in rural communities, the Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the upgrading of all electricity generator-powered boreholes to solar.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Enobong Mbobo, while commissioning a mini water project donated by a London-based Akwa Ibomi citizen, Emem Essien, to Anyam Nsit community, at the Village Council arena, in Nsit Ibom.
The Commissioner, who said government was desirous of having an improved and efficient water supply for rural dwellers said that with solar power, the suffering of community members, caused by hike in cost of fuel and other negative effects of using generators to power the boreholes, would be reduced.
Mbobo said since rural development was a major plank of the ARISE Agenda, the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was leaving no stone unturned on projects that would ameliorate the condition of living of the rural dwellers, such as improving water supply in the communities. She expressed gratitude to Essien for keying into the ARISE Agenda development blueprint of the governor with the donation of the water project.
She urged community members of Anyam Nsit, particularly youths, to protect the water project from vandalism and called on public spirited individuals to emulate the kind gesture of Essien by contributing their quota towards the development of their communities and the dtate at large.
Earlier, the donor of the mini water project, Essien, said the project was donated by her in conjunction with her outfit, Panache Empowerment Global, as part of effort towards furthering the cause of humanity in her community.
Essien, who was represented at the occasion by Mba Akwa Ibom State Co-ordinator, Panache Empowerment Group and Abia State Chapter Chairman, Stanley, said the water project commissioning exercise was in commemoration of her birthday and expressed deep gratitude to God for her life and all the guests at the occasion for honouring the invitation, especially the Commissioner of Water Resources, Dr Enobong Mbobo.
Goodwill messages were presented at the occasion by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Eric Akpan, House Committee Chairman on Water Resources/member representing Ikono State Constituency, Nana Asuquo, a newly sworn-in Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Akpan, and the Transition Committee Chairman of Nsit Ibom, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mbosowo Charles.
