Reps to repeal outdated water laws
The House of Representatives on Tuesday declared that it will repeal obsolete water-related laws and enact the National Water Resources Commission and National Hydrological Agency for the management of water resources in Nigeria.
Speaker Yakubu Dogara gave the assurance while declaring open a two-day public hearing to establish a regulatory framework for the development and management of the nation’s water resources.
Dogara assured that the House will work with the Federal Ministries of Water Resources, Health and Transportation with a view to providing adequate and affordable water to major and minor cities as well as rural communities in Nigeria.
The speaker who was represented by the House Deputy Whip, Rep. Pally Iriase said the House is committed to making laws that would stand the test of time, adding that the role of water in our day to day existence cannot be overemphasized.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu said that a draft water resources bill was established by the ministry.
Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole expressed his ministry’s readiness to partner with the legislature and other government agencies to ensure the availability of water in every community.
The minister who represented by Dr. Obiageli Nnebe, stressed the urgent need for a multi-sectoral approach to solving water related problems in major cities and rural areas.
Similarly, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, represented by a deputy director at the National Waterways Authority, Mr. Danladi Ibrahim, said the ministry is set to partner with other ministries to make water available to the public.
According to him, 28 out of the 36 states of the federation will be connected to the national water supply channels.
Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Aliyu Ahman Pategi assured stakeholders of the committee’s willingness to ensure speedy passage of the bill for effective supply of water to the generality of citizens of Nigeria.
Henry Omunu, Abuja
