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Tag: Joseph Utsev

  • FG commends Akwa Ibom for implementation of water, sanitation projects

    FG commends Akwa Ibom for implementation of water, sanitation projects

    Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev  has commended Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno for the implementation and payment of counterpart funding to support Federal Government projects in the area of water resources and sanitation that would benefit the state.

    He gave the appraisal at the 32st conference of regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

    The Minister listed the different projects and programmes to begin in the State and appreciated the Governor for his support assuring more support and collaboration where necessary.

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     Eno assured the Federal Government of his administration’s support in the area of water resources and sanitation for the good of the people of the State.

    The conference tagged: “Water and food security: Challenges and opportunities in the face of daunting climate change” attracted  Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, stakeholders in the water and sanitation, lawmakers from the National/States Assemblies, Commissioners, Labour leaders, academia, contractors and the media amongst others.

  • Minister of Water Resource Joseph Utsev bags award

    Minister of Water Resource Joseph Utsev bags award

    Professor Joseph Utsev, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has been recognised as the best-performing Minister of Water Resources in Africa.

    This prestigious award by the Africa Water Conservation Platform (AWCP) acknowledges Utsev’s exceptional leadership in managing water resources, ensuring equitable distribution, and promoting sustainable practices.

    Under Utsev’s guidance, the South Africa-based group said Nigeria has made significant strides in addressing flooding concerns, securing water supply, and protecting against scarcity and pollution.

    According to a statement signed by Dr. Doren Omita, Utsev’s groundbreaking reforms include sustainable river basin management, revitalizing ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management.

    Omita noted that Utsev’s initiatives have increased access to potable water in rural communities, upgraded waste management facilities, and promoted hygiene practices.

    He further said that his efforts have boosted the economy by increasing food production, creating jobs, and enhancing sanitation.

    Omita added: “The selection criteria for this prestigious award included effective water management, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

    “We also considered improved access to drinking water, sustainable development of water infrastructure, preservation of resources, and reuse of treated wastewater.

    “Professor Utsev’s exemplary leadership in managing water resources, ensuring equitable distribution, and promoting sustainable practices stood out. His successful addressing of flooding concerns in Nigeria ensured public safety and minimised damage.

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    “He implemented strategies to secure water supply, protecting against scarcity and pollution, and fostered partnerships with global organisations to enhance water management and sanitation.

    “We’ve been enchanted by his groundbreaking reforms, including sustainable river basin management, revitalising ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management. His water supply expansion projects have increased access to potable water in rural communities.

    “The Minister’s leadership has also upgraded waste management facilities, promoting hygiene practices and implementing efficient water usage policies. His efforts have boosted the economy by increasing food production, creating jobs, and enhancing sanitation.

    “The Africa Water Conservation Platform praises Minister Utsev’s initiatives, which have significantly improved access to clean water and sanitation services. His proactive measures to raise awareness about water conservation and involve communities in decision-making processes demonstrate exceptional leadership.”

    The group urged the Minister to continue his remarkable work, addressing the pressing issues of water scarcity and sanitation in Africa.

    “Scaling up successful programs to reach more communities, strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries to address shared water challenges, and encouraging research and development of innovative water conservation technologies will further cement his legacy,” the statement added.

    “The Africa Water Conservation Platform congratulates Professor Utsev on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued leadership in shaping a water-secure future for Africa.”

  • Completion of dam projects will check flooding, says Water Resources minister

    Completion of dam projects will check flooding, says Water Resources minister

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has said the completion of storage dams across Nigeria is vital to controlling water flow when floods occur and for enhancing water supply for domestic and industrial uses.

    Giving an insight into the nation’s dam projects and their alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said: “Nigeria boasts over 408 storage dams, comprising 142 large dams, 59 medium dams, and 207 small dams. With an estimated combined storage capacity of 93.623 billion cubic metres, these dams serve various multi-purpose uses, including irrigation, flood control, fisheries, water supply, and hydropower.”

    The minister explained the ownership distribution of the dams, saying 80 per cent of them belong to the Federal Government, with 13 per cent belonging to states and the rest to private organisations.

    Utsev said ongoing dam projects were at various stages with an overall completion rate of 53 per cent.

    He restated the ministry’s commitment to raising the figure to 65 per cent by the end of this year, saying new ones would be initiated with a target of 36 per cent completion level by the same period.

    The minister underscored the centrality of water security to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the ministry aligned with key priorities, such as food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

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    According to him, the government is embarking on a comprehensive action plan, including dam rehabilitation, water supply enhancement, and flood management initiatives.

    Utsev listed various projects the ministry had inaugurated since he and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, assumed office last August.

    The minister said these ranged from dam construction to water supply initiatives across the states of the federation.

    Listing a number of achievements the minisyrt has recorded in less than one year, he said: “The ministry has overseen the commissioning of several critical projects, including the Odo Ape Dam in Kabba Bunnu Local Government of Kogi State; Lessel Dam in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State; and Rafin Yashin Dam in Minna, Niger State.

    “Commissioning of PEWASH projects at Zainab Bukuchuwa Women and Children Hospital in Gombe; commissioning of PEWASH projects at the Government Science and Technical College in Gombe; commissioning of Songhai Integrated Model Farm in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State; and commissioning of Songhai Integrated Model Farm in Calabar, the Cross River State apital.

    “Bottling facilities at Hadeija Ja’amaare River Basin Development Authority in Kano State, and Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authorities; a 1,000-litre corrugated overhead steel tank serviced by three boreholes and powered by a hybrid solar inverter at Masamawa in Birni Kudu, Jigawa State.

    “A 200,000-litre corrugated surface steel water tank serviced by a hybrid solar inverter, A 135-kilowatt capacity solar system installed at Birni Kudu Water works as a replacement for diesel-powered generators both for intake and booster pumps.

    “Water Supply Projects at Emir of Ilorin’s Palace, police Headquarters, and University of Ilorin, by Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Kwara State, Soil and GIS Laboratories at Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi, Benue State.”

    Utsev also outlined the ministry’s nationwide campaign to improve sanitation and eradicate open defecation.