Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Managing Director, Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed has canvased for equitable access to water by all Nigerians.
He, however, noted that for this to be realisable, the regulation and management of water resources through adequate regulation should be put in place.
Ahmed stated this in his address at the 10th National Water Conference, held in Benin City, Edo State with the them: “Sustainable Water Resources Development and Management.”
The BORBDA boss stressed the need for Nigeria to regulate its water resources development and management in order to put in place strategic plans that would be followed by all stakeholders to improve its need for the nation.
He disclosed that the essence of the two-day conference was to bring together all stakeholders in the water sector to share, identify common challenges and proffer strategic solutions to ameliorate those hiccups surrounding water and its management for the betterment of all.
“I am particularly excited to be part of this conference; given that it will be a forum to address some major challenges as they relate to water and its usage in our catchment areas and the nation at large,” Ahmed stated.
According to him, “Water is one of the earth’s most essential resources to mankind. Hunan beings can survive without food for many weeks, but without water, no one can.
“As important as this resource, it is worthy to note that water is under extreme threat as a result of growing population, increasing demands of agriculture and industry, as well as worsening impacts of climate change.”
He further pointed out that in synergy with the theme of this year’s National Water Conference, two relevant facts have emerged. One of them, he said, was the sustainable water by ensuring there was enough water to meet multiple needs, from agriculture to cities and industry.
The second point, Ahmed stated was sustainable water management which he noted entailed the ability to meet the water needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do same.
“In all of this, it means water supply will remain consistent, despite climate change impact, such as lack of rainfall and drought, or too much rain and being flood resilient.
“Sustainable water also means that the economics stack in matching supply and demand and that the water delivery process is as efficient as possible.
“It also means that achieving sustainable water management requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in which technical, environmental, economic, landscape, aesthetic, social and cultural issues are addressed,” he declared.
The conference was sponsored by the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna in conjunction with Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.
