From TERESE TUHWA, Makurdi
Worried by persistent scarcity of water supply at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Benue State, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change have stepped up supply of water to the IDPs camp at Ortese in Guma Local Government Area.
Acting BSEMA Executive Secretary, Sir. James Iorpuu and Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Ugwu Odoh had carried out an assessment tour of the dam project at Hiinyam, Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Lcal Government. It is aimed at exploring a way out through community engagement.
While addressing the IDPs, the BSEMA boss stressed the importance of water to human beings, saying the IDPs have a right to water for drinking purposes and other important uses.
Iorpuu explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is passionate about the welfare of IDPs and was poised to address their plight permanently.
He assured them that through coordinated approach and proactive steps, his office and Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change would solve the perennial problem of water in all camps.
He appreciated the Medicines San Frontiers for sustaining its intervention in areas of health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to Ortese IDPs camp.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Ugwu Odoh, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Efu Ali Suleiman, said the ministry and BSEMA would liaise with the community to attend to issues of water supply in IDP camps. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing issues associated with water scarcity, ecological and environmental challenges.
The Information Officer of BSEMA, Comrade Tema Ager, disclosed in a statement that during the visit, about 10,000 litres of water was supplied to the Ortese IDP camp amidst excitement by the displaced population.
“We have it on authority that since assumption of duty, Governor Hyacinth Alia administration has focused attention on the plight of the IDPs and it is working with the Federal Government to build cluster housing settlement for them.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management laid a foundation for a cluster settlement housing scheme in Makurdi Local Government area in Benue state in a bid to return the displaced home.
The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu in company of Governor Hyacinth Alia had laid the foundation and also visited the IDPs camp at Achwa where food items and other items were supply to them.
