Bayelsa Rural Schools Benefit from Safe Water Project

Pupils in three rural schools across Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, in the South-South region of Nigeria, now have access to safe drinking water following the completion of a water project initiative.

The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), in collaboration with the Sustainable Partnership Initiative for Development (SPID), installed 9,000-litre water facilities in each of the schools.

The initiative aims to provide access to clean water for students, teachers, and the host communities while also promoting improved sanitation and hygiene in educational institutions across the state. Speaking at the commissioning, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Simon Okene, said the water scheme is part of Governor Douye Diri’s ongoing efforts to create a conducive teaching and learning environment in public schools. He urged the benefiting communities to protect and maintain the facilities.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Publicity and Sensitisation Committee of the EDTF Board, Mr Fidelis Agbiki, stated that the water supply would help prevent waterborne diseases in schools and surrounding communities.

In a similar vein, Ms Weni Igirigi, a representative of SPID, noted that the project was designed to support the state government’s sanitation and hygiene goals.

School authorities and community leaders expressed appreciation at the project sites. At Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Ofoni, Vice Principal Mr Edesemi Oruagono, thanked the state government for the intervention.

At GSTC Ayamasa, the community’s traditional ruler, Mr Moses Oyaseiye, and the school’s Principal, Mr Jacob Okori, also conveyed their gratitude to Governor Diri on behalf of the students and residents.

A similar sentiment was echoed in Isampou, where the community’s traditional ruler, King Edward Oya-Otu Derekumor, and the Principal of the Community Secondary School, Dr Donbebefa Awomi, described the water project as a welcome development that would promote healthy living in the area.