"HYPREP HAS DELIVERED PORTABLE WATER TO OVER 40 COMMUNITIES, SOME OF WHICH HAVE BEEN IN OPERATIONAL FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. COMMEND PROF. ZABBEY, FOR HIS DISTINGUISH SERVICE TO OGONI PEOPLE." - BARR. ANTHONY TABU RESPOND TO THE RECENT COLLAPSE OF WATER TANK IN OGONILAND | #RWGBLOG

PRESS STATEMENT

EXPRESSION OF CONCERN OVER THE COLLAPSE OF THE GWARA WATER STATION

The recent collapse of the overhead tank at the newly commissioned Gwara Water Station, situated in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, has occasioned undue distress to the Gwara Community, to whom sincerest sympathies are extended.

A thorough and impartial investigation is imperative to ascertain the causative factors underlying this incident. It is essential to eschew speculative attributions and allow the investigative process to run its course. The collapse, whether attributable to sabotage, structural deficiencies, or contractor negligence, constitutes an isolated case, given the laudable progress achieved by HYPREP in delivering potable water to over 40 communities through 16 commissioned water stations, some of which have been operational for over two years, meeting World Health Organization standards.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, is commended for his distinguished service and unwavering commitment to environmental justice. His receipt of the prestigious Ruth Patrick Award, a distinction accorded to him as the sole African laureate in the award's 26-year history, testifies to his exceptional contributions. Furthermore, his instrumental role in securing compensation in London for 15,601 individuals affected by the Bodo oil spills incident underscores his dedication to promoting environmental accountability and justice.

Regrettably, Prof. Zabbey's efforts have been targeted by detractors seeking to undermine his work through acts of sabotage and theft of project infrastructure. These nefarious activities are unequivocally condemned, and all stakeholders are urged to eschew such destructive tendencies.

The Ogoni people are appealed to remain steadfast in their support for Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey and the HYPREP management team, thereby enabling them to surmount this challenge and continue delivering essential services to the community.

The full text of this statement can be found in The Nation Newspaper.

Signed:

Barr. Anthony Tabu
Secretary, South-South Peoples' Conference (SSOPEC)
Vice Chairman, Gokana Unity Forum

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