The European Union (EU) has commended Delta State for its financial determination by releasing N300 million out of N404 million as counterpart fund for water partnership project in the state. The state may bet up to N700 million values, as projects from the funds.
The Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration has been releasing N100 million every week, ready to release the last batch of N104 million next week to meet the requirement for the EU water partnership scheme.
Albert Achten, leader of the EU delegation to Asaba, commended Governor Okowa’s administration for being among the few states in the country to pay the counterpart fund, stating that Delta State government could increase the counterpart fund as the state would get 70 percent of money it contributed.
He said the money was earmarked for water and sanitation purposes and there were set plans for the programmes to be sustained.
Governor Okowa however made case for sustainability mechanism in any projects to be executed in the state going forward, to ensure that such projects stood the test of time.
Speaking when he played host to a delegation from the EU and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning led by Achten in Asaba, the governor decried the situation where basic infrastructure provided by the government were neglected because sustainable plans were not put in place.
He disclosed that with the tough economic situation of the country, it was important for facilities to be maintained and protected by the users.
While assuring that his administration would partner with individuals, corporate organisations and governments that were committed to the development of the state, Okowa lauded the EU for choosing Delta State as one of the beneficiaries of its multi-million naira water and sanitation scheme.
He said: “I am glad that you are including the water consumers association in the execution of your water scheme. This will create awareness and sustainability at the rural areas and also help to protect the scheme, maintain and sustain it, and also, enable the consumers to take ownership of the scheme rather than think that government must provide infrastructures, maintain and sustain them.”
He added, “it is important that we consider sustainability of projects before providing infrastructures so that they can last and achieve the desired objectives, and we want to reassure you (European Union) that we will partner with the private sector and other agencies in the provision of water and clean environment in our state as this will help reduce health challenges of our people.”
