General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL), Mr Esimaje Brikinn, made the disclosure on Tuesday at the inauguration/handing over of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture sponsored solar-powered water project at Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
The solar-powered water project was sunk in the premises of the Osubi Primary and Secondary Schools which had lacked a source of potable water since inception.
The N19.9 billion, Mr Brikinn clarified, had provided scholarships, built schools, medical facilities, housing and supported agriculture development and infrastructure improvements.
He noted that the water facility was a further demonstration of the efforts of the NNPC/CNL JV to improve the life and welfare of the people in the area of the company’s operations in the state.
Brikinn, who was represented by CNL, PGPA Area Manager, Field Operations, Mr Sam Daibo, added that the partnership the joint venture has with the Delta State government and its host communities in the areas of health, education and social amenities, has improved the people’s quality of life.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Sir Fidelis Tilije, who was represented by Dr Mrs Felicia Adum, lauded CNL for bringing the water project near pupils to avert water-borne diseases.
Describing NNPC/CNL JV as partners in progress with the state government, Dr Adum enjoined the community leadership to set up a Water Consumers Association which will take ownership of the facility to maintain and manage it.
The principal of Osubi Secondary School, the direct beneficiary of the water facility, Mrs Eunice Efoechuku, in her remarks, lauded Chevron and its partners for the provision, describing it as first of its kind in the entire Effurun – Warri area.
She averred that the facility would save the school management much stress in providing water for staff and students for drinking, sanitation and irrigation.
Speaking on behalf of the Osubi community, Mr Paul Erugbono, acknowledged Chevron for always being in the forefront of rendering help to the community and adhering strictly to the Local Content Policy of the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the water project was executed by a contractor, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, younger brother of the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and indigene of the community whom, he added, did a quality job at a reasonable cost.
Delta State government representatives, which included the representative of the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Paul Okpala Ekene, urged other stakeholders from the private sector to emulate NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture initiative in supporting the government’s developmental agenda on education.
They urged the entire Osubi community to take ownership of the water facility, maintain and protect it from vandalism.
The project’s components include solar panels, a solar submersible pump, overhead holding tanks, six dispensing taps and a perimeter fence.
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Highlights of the colourful event were the cutting of the take by Dr Mrs Adum, the performance of two cultural troupes from among the pupils who danced and sang in French and Urhobo languages to the delight of the gathering.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the Osubi community provided the land for the project while the state government nominated representatives to serve in the Implementation Committee which gave permission and provided enabling the environment for the successful execution of the water project.
Nigerian Tribune reports that NNPC/CNL JV and other Chevron companies are executing other projects across the state.
They include Ekpan Women Development Centre, e-Library at Ubeji, Mother & Child Hospital in Sapele and the Edjeba Solar-Powered Water Project, among others.
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