The Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) has inaugurated portable water projects for three schools in Zarama and Agbere communities in the state on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries of the 9000 litres capacity water projects are Community Secondary School, Zarama, Yenagoa LGA and Community Primary Schools 1 and 2 in Agbere in Sagbama LGA.
Dr Gentle Emela, Commissioner for Education, represented by Mr Faith Ogbara, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry of education said the projects are component of the government’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy.
According to him, under the WASH programme, provision of portable water in schools was fundamental in tackling water-born diseases and epidemic in schools and communities in Bayelsa.
Emelah, who noted that the EDTF performed well by fulfilling its mandate, expressed delight and applauded Gov Douye Diri for sustaining the EDTF to advance the frontiers of education in the state.
In his remarks, leader of the EDTF team at the event, Pastor Mathew Odou expressed happiness for the EDTF’s participation and support for the programme towards enhancing the development of education in the state.
He explained that the EDTF emphasis on the provision of portable water was geared towards improvement of public health which is the livewire of human existence.
In their various remarks, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Zarama, Mr Omekwe Prosper and the Headmaster, Community Primary School 1, Agbere, Mr. Opeke Perekeme also lauded governor Diri, EDTF and its partners for the gesture.
They assured of their readiness to work in synergy with the community to maintain and provide adequate security for the facilities.
In his remarks, the Amananaowei (Traditional Ruler) of Agbere community, HRH Reid Aladei expressed appreciation that the project has brought relief to his subjects.
He pledged that under his watch, the projects would be protected from vandalism.
Aladei applauded governor Diri and the EDTF for their benevolence in the provision of portable water in schools.
Representatives of Sustainable Partnership Initiative for Development (SPID), that collaborated with the EDTF, Dr Weni Kokinobo-Igirigi and Prof. Weigha Prince said community leaders and youths of the benefiting communities were cooperative and facilitated the delivery of the projects.
