Thursday, 10th April, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1. It is with immense pleasure that I join you all today, as we celebrate the commissioning of the Abuja Phases 3 and 4, 20 million litres per hour, Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plants.
2. Water, as we all know, is critical to the sustenance of life. Scientific research has long proven that while man can live without food for several weeks, he can barely survive for days without water. Indeed, the economic value of water and its contribution to all aspects of our national life is immeasurable.
3. For us as a government, the provision of potable drinking water for our citizens and for the meaningful development of our cities and communities is a priority, which we have pursued with great zeal and vigour.
4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the water treatment plants we are commissioning today mark an important milestone in our continuing journey towards building a befitting Federal Capital for our people. The facility will alleviate the plight of several FCT residents in various districts and satellite towns, who go regularly in search of potable drinking water.
5. These projects equally fulfil one of the cardinal objectives of this Administration's Transformation Agenda, which is to address the infrastructure deficit in our country, in key development sectors such as power, transportation, housing, water resources and information and communication technology among others.
6. Let me recall that in July 2010, the United Nations, passed the “Right to Water” resolution, recognizing the right of every human being to potable drinking and usable water, no matter where he or she lives. In consonance with this declaration, we have intensified our efforts to provide access to water resources for all Nigerians in every nook and cranny of our nation.
7. In February 2013, I hosted a Presidential Summit on Water, which sought more effective and innovative ways of harnessing our national water heritage, and how to make it readily available to all our citizens.
8. On the heels of that crucial Summit, we have revitalized the 12 River Basin Development Authorities nationwide. Between 2012 and 2013, we completed 12 dams, which are designed to provide water to benefitting towns and regions, for domestic uses, irrigation and the promotion of aquatic life. I am happy to observe that over 125,000 jobs were also been created in the process.
9. Recognizing that lack of continuity, resulting in the plethora of abandoned projects across the country is a major pitfall of national development planning, our administration has pursued a policy of completing all projects that will directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
10. To this end, we are investing substantial resources in the completion of all water projects initiated long before the inception of our Administration. These water treatments plants were given priority in order to alleviate the plight of Abuja residents.
11. With a capacity of 20 million litres per hour, these plants are some of the largest in this part of the world. I am happy to note that the quality of water from these plants conform to global best standards and the commencement of their operations means increased availability of treated water from its Water Works by 200 percent.
12. We expect that the project will drastically reduce, if not completely eradicate water borne diseases, create employment opportunities in water related businesses and help to harness aquatic resources, especially in areas around the dams.
13. I am aware of other remaining water schemes in the FCT, including the complementary projects such as the on-going Trunks, Mains and Storage Trunks Systems as well as the implementation of the Pipeline Reticulation Networks in Phases 2 and 3 of the Federal Capital City.
14. I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to the completion of these projects. This is with a view to optimizing the benefits of the new plants we are commissioning today.
15. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, a complex and gigantic project such as this must have benefitted immensely from the contributions of various institutions.
16. Let me therefore commend the FCT Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority – FCDA, for their resolve and commitment to the completion of this project. Messrs Biwater Nigeria Limited, the contractor, also deserves to be commended for the successful delivery of this world class project.
17. It is now my profound pleasure to formally commission the Phases 3 and 4, Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plants, to the glory of God, and the benefit of our people.
18. I thank you.
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