By David Owei, Bayelsa

In a significant move to enhance environmental sustainability, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare has inaugurated a 13-member Waterways Sanitation Management Team (WSMT) on Wednesday at the NDBDA headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Hon. Amgbare said that the strategic initiative was a demonstration of the NDBDA’s commitment to ensuring clean water and sanitation, mitigating climate change, and conserving ocean resources in the Niger Delta region

“This specialized team is tasked with driving initiatives that would promote clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and conservation of ocean resources (SDG 14) in the Niger Delta region in line with global best practices.

Hon. Amgbare described the establishment of the Waterways Sanitation Management Team as another giant stride to raise awareness about waterways sanitation across the catchment states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, emphasizing the crucial role of team in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water, climate, and marine life.

He explained that the initiative was part of other coordinated efforts to amplify the authority’s earlier advocacy for zero plastic pollution in rivers and coastal areas of the Niger Delta region, while highlighting the importance of empowering the youth across the region to address the global planetary challenges of plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.

“The Waterways Sanitation Management Team’s work is vital to ensuring the health and sustainability of our waterways and marine ecosystems in our Niger Delta region. The team’s efforts will contribute significantly to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, promoting health, well-being, and economic growth.

“It contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action, reducing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities and SDG 14: Life Below Water, conserving marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of marine resources. Today’s inauguration reaffirms NDBDA’s commitment to achieving these critical SDGs and ensuring a sustainable future for the Niger Delta region,” Hon. Amgbare noted.

Hon. Prince Amgbare regretted that the Niger Delta region, with its vast network of rivers, creeks, and wetlands, remains a critical ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.

The Niger Delta region’s economy is heavily reliant on fishing, tourism, and other industries that depend on clean waterways. Poor sanitation can lead to economic losses and undermine sustainable development.

“Waterways sanitation is critical for building resilience to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise, increased flooding, and droughts. The region’s waterways are heavily polluted with oil spills, industrial waste, and domestic sewage. Inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited access to sanitation facilities exacerbate pollution and health risks.

“Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threaten the region’s waterways and ecosystems. Insufficient awareness and education among communities about the importance of waterways sanitation hinder efforts to promote sustainable practices.

“Empowering local communities to take ownership of waterways sanitation through education, awareness, and capacity-building programs is not negotiable. Investing in waste management infrastructure, sanitation facilities, and green technologies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices is crucial.

“We intend to foster partnerships among government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to intensify sustainable practices and leverage resources while encouraging climate-resilient water management practices, such as wetland restoration and flood-risk management, to improve the region’s adaptability to climate change.

“By addressing these challenges facing waterways sanitation in the Niger Delta region and seizing opportunities for improvement, we can promote sustainable development, protect human health, and preserve the region’s rich environmental heritage.

“This team is a volunteer initiative established under my watch to educate and sensitize communities within the Niger Delta Basin’s catchment states on the importance of waterways sanitation, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water.

“The team will receive technical guidance and support from the renamed Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, headed by a Director, Engr. Odes Solomon Sakawi and our amiable Ocean Ambassador, Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), Project Technical Partner on NDBDA’s “Adopt a River Initiative” and Founder/CEO, Solari Skills And Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Port Harcourt, Ms. Rita Solari Inko-Tariah,” Hon. Amgbare noted.

While making clarification of the renaming of the Department of Hydrology to now “Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy” he said it was a strategic move to align with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aims to explore the potential of the Blue Economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“By tapping into the global trend of Blue Economy, the Authority seeks to manage water resources effectively, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 13, and 14. These goals focus on clean water and sanitation, climate action, and conservation of ocean resources, respectively.

“The Blue Economy concept emphasizes sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation. Nigeria’s maritime sector presents significant opportunities for economic development, and the Authority’s move is a step in the right direction,” the Managing Director explained further.

In his acceptance remarks, Head of Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, Engr. Odes Solomon Sakawi thanked the Managing Director for finding the team members worthy to serve while lamenting that the region’s waterways were facing significant threats from pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

“Poor waterways sanitation can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever, which can have devastating impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities.
Waterways sanitation is crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, including fish populations, mangroves, and other plant species that depend on clean water.

“Protecting waterways means empowering communities as every river deserves a guardian. Clean rivers make a brighter future. Join the movement; preserving rivers is preserving life. River conservation is a collective responsibility. Safeguarding rivers is an effort to secure our tomorrow,” Engr. Solomon Sakawi maintained.

Members of the team include: Engr. Sir. Odes Sakanwi, Director of Hydrology and Head of Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, Hon. Preye Akpebide, (security expert), Chairman, CSP. Victor Berezi (Rtd, Chief Security Officer to the MD), Mrs. Bekenwa Choice (Deputy Director) Elder. John Diepriye Appah (Project consultaton financing/investor partnerships), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo (Media/tourism expert, Head, Corporate Relations), Ms, Rita Solari Inko-Tariah (Technical Partner), Dr. Yanayun David (Lecturer, Nigerian Maritime University, Okarankoko),
Waritimi Parker (IT expert), Hon. Amakama Pemobowei S, Hon. Dogiye Sylvia (Chief of Staff to MD), Mr. Nwode Ifeanyi Nwali (Senior Geologist), Hon. Teme Aranka, Special Asst. to the MD on Documentation, is to serve as team Secretary.

The inauguration was graced by Engr. Olatubosun. M Quadri (Director of Engineering), Dr. Roland Gbarabe (Director of Agric Services), Mr Efe Ituru (Director of Planning & Design and Mr. Anthony Wuchie (Director of Finance & Administration.