Connect with us

Environment

Commission Moves to Sanction Unlicensed Water Users

Published

on

Share

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), has commenced the review of its laws that would enable it sanction all unlicensed water users in the country.

Magashi Bashir, the Executive Director of the commission, made this known on Monday, at the opening of the Review of Water Use License Terms and Conditions Meeting, in Abuja.

According to Bashir, there is need to standardise all documents targeted at repositioning and regulating the water resources sector.

He said the non-passage of the Water Resources Bill however,, had caused many irregularities in the sector, saying partnerships between all actors would reduce poor water governance.

“It is important to state that Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions is a critical component in the administration and issuance of Water Use Licence to applicants, as it determines the regime for proper licence usage by various applicants.

“The relevance of Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions can therefore, not be overestimated in anyway.

“Continuous stakeholders’ engagement in the administration of Water Resources in the Country is necessary for effective and result oriented regulations, with particular reference to Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions.”

Magashi noted that the Commission under his watch would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a continuous proper licensing regime.

He said it was his honest expectation that the forum would consolidate on the ongoing engagement between all tiers of government, for the purpose of appropriately managing Nigeria’s water resources, through effective enforcement mechanisms.

The executive director said implementing a comprehensive regulatory regime would benefit the collective interest of the country,  saying participants at the workshop could make it happen by contributing meaningfully.

Earlier, the Legal Adviser for NIWRMC, Mr Rotimi Ojegbile, said before now, the legal department had made several efforts to regularise most of the commission’s documents, with little or no progress made.

Ojegbile said with the commitment of the present leadership however, the commission had made that possible, saying it was necessary for all frameworks to stand the test of time.

The legal adviser, represented by Ms. Ikemhe Ekwere-Bello, urged all participants to brainstorm and contribute meaningfully, so that water use was regulated and done properly.

Dr Emmanuel Udoh, delivering a paper on ‘Optimising Water Allocation Through Revised License Terms and Conditions’, said there was need for Nigeria to strengthen its weak and fragile institutions.

Udoh said climate change challenges called for appropriate measures to mitigate them, noting that though section 11 of the Water Resources Act gave individuals access to water use, it must however, be used sustainably.

He said key considerations on Revised License Terms and Conditions must include sustainability and long-term water management, through equity and fairness in water distribution.

“We must adapt to changing climatic conditions and water scarcity by integrating regulatory frameworks, such as the environmental protection and incorporating stakeholder perspectives and public participation into all aspects”.

Chinesonu Okpoko, a legal expert, said currently, there was no effective water resources data management system for the country.

Okpoko said the unavailability of adequate and reliable data, upon which analysis, planning, management and decision-making could be based on, had crippled the water licensing system.

The Water Resources Act 2004, empowers the Minister with responsibility for matters relating to water resources, as the lead in charge of water resources development, licensing, planning, and use.  

Sections 11-19 of the Act deals with issuance of water use licences, licensing fees, power to fix rates in connection with the abstraction of water, penalties and the issuing of regulations.

Water licensing plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and allocation of water resources in Nigeria. It ensures equitable access to water, promotes efficient use, and safeguards the environment.

While challenges persist in its implementation, continued efforts to improve water licensing systems are essential for addressing water scarcity, promoting sustainable development, and protecting Nigeria’s water resources. (NAN)

Environment

Prolonged Public Holidays Come with Negative Economic Effects on Citizens – Anambra Residents

Published

on

Share

Anambra residents have slammed the additional day approved by the Federal Government for the Muslim faithful to celebrate the 2024 Eid-Ei-Fitr, saying this will have negative effects on the economy.

The Federal government had early declared April 9 and 10 as Muslim-Ummah for the successful completion of a month’s spiritual rejuvenation.

Reports says that residents of Anambra capital city believe that the additional day which they did not plan for will result in economic hardship to the citizenry.

Most respondents believe that people had planned to resume their economic activities instead of wasting their time staying at home doing nothing..

Former Chairman, Awka Chamber of Commerce, Chief Felly Akosa, described the additional day to the two days approved earlier as “unfair to the economy of the country as people were unprepared for the additional day.

Akosa said that although it is right for the Muslim faithful to celebrate their holiday after a month-long fasting, the process needs to be carefully planned for in place of the additional rest day which could inhibit business activities.

Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, National Vice President of Igbo Apex Social Cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the policy would cause huge economic waste as businesses are put on hold,

He advised that, in future, a proper and well planned programme needs to be in place before declaring a public holiday for any celebration that will be national.

“Our economy and other sectors are not very healthy,” and it would, therefore be appropriate to plan well to avoid declarations that will hamper the citizens’ welfare.

Mazi Christian Beluchukwu, a business man in Awka, described the extension of the Eid-El-Fitr public holiday to Thursday, April 11, as an added hardship for the citizenry.

Beluchukwu said that any public holiday for three days, April 9 to 11, to celebrate any feast in the country is an economic loss to the nation.

He said that it was best to stick to the two-day national public holidays as this gives room for the people to plan their activities very well.

He stated that his wife went to a public hospital on Tuesday and was unattended to because there was no doctor on seat to provide medical attention.

“She resorted to visiting a private hospital which cost extra money which the public hospital is expected to handle at a reasonable cost. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Environment

World Bank Fund: Corporation Rehabilitates Treatment Plant, Reticulation in Jos South

Published

on

Share

The Jos Water Services Corporation (JWSC) has said that the World Bank fund received would be used to boost water supply to Bukuru and environs in Jos South Local Government Area.

Mr Apollos Samchi, the Managing Director of the corporation, said that N1.7 billion would be expended on the rehabilitation of water treatment plant, over head steel tank and laying of pipes to homes of consumers.

Samchi, who disclosed this on Friday in Jos, during a two-day capacity building workshop, said that the projects were expected to be completed in four months.

Reports says that the workshop organised for contractors has at its theme: “Implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans for Projects in Jos South.

The MD said that the projects would ensure steady provision of potable water to residents in Gyel and Kurgiya in Jos South Local Government Area.

He said the treatment plant when rehabilitated would pump out 5,000 cubic litres of water daily.

The MD further stated that the reticulation exercise would cover residents who weren’t initially connected to public water supply in the area.

Samchi said that the essence of the workshop was to ensure that the contractors were trained to develop adequate measures and controls to minimise and mitigate potential environmental and social risks that could adversely affect the project implementation.

He called on all the contractors handling the projects to ensure that they adhered to the environmental and safety standards and deliver within the specified timeframe.

In his remarks, Mr Jonathan Malann, the Plateau Project Coordinator, Sustainable Urban, Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme (SURWASH), also advised contractors to adhere to the environmental and safety standards as provided by the World Bank.

The Federal Government had received $700m financing from the World Bank to ensure that all its people have access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services.

The seven participating states are Plateau, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, and Kaduna.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Environment

Erosion Control Project: Gombe SEC Approves N389m Compensation for Residents

Published

on

Share

The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC) has approved payment of N389 million as compensation for residents that would be affected by the gully erosion control project at Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical and its surrounding communities.

The Commissioner for Finance, Gombe State, Malam Mohammed Magaji, stated this at the end of the SEC meeting on Friday in Gombe.

Magaji said the payment, which would commence immediately, would be for individuals and organisations along the gully erosion site.

He said almost 1000 persons were expected to benefit from the gesture.

According to him, the compensation is part of the requirements of the World Bank, which specifies that such payments be made to property owners.

Magaji said the payment would also be made to ensure seamless resettlement of affected persons.

“The beneficiaries are in hundreds, almost a 1,000 people; there is compensation for houses, and also for business premises.

“There is also stipends for the elderly living around that area so that they are able to have good livelihood,” he said.

The commissioner for Education, Hajiya Aishatu Maigari, also said the SEC approved upgrade of the five mega senior secondary schools in the state to sustain improvement in the education sector.

Maigari said the upgrade would be carried out based on the needs of each of the schools.

She stated that infrastructure in some of the schools were already being upgraded to global standards.

“We have seen construction of toilets, installation of solar-powered light, construction of roads, school clinics, boreholes and many more,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had on Nov. 23 signed a N12 billion contract with Triacta Nigeria Ltd. for a 21-kilometre gully erosion control work in six communities within Gombe metropolis.

The project is under ACRESAL project, a World Bank-assisted project to address the challenges of land degradation and climate change in northern Nigeria. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS2 hours ago

Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is...

NEWS2 hours ago

Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

Share The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property...

NEWS2 hours ago

NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages,...

NEWS2 hours ago

CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Clash Ends in Goalless Draw

ShareThe Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in...

NEWS2 hours ago

FG Lifts Ban on Mining to Boost Zamfara IGR – Minister

Share Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in...

NEWS2 hours ago

Kaduna’ll be Secure During Yuletide-CP

Share The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state....

NEWS2 hours ago

IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin 

ShareThe Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death...

NEWS2 hours ago

2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says

ShareGov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go...

SPORTS2 hours ago

NPFL: Late Penalty Kick Helps Kwara United to Narrow Win

ShareA penalty kick awarded late in the game on Sunday helped hosts Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin to a...

Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB
POLITICS2 hours ago

Poverty, Behind Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria, says Falana

ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday attributed the deadly stampede that claimedmore than 105...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc