By Abraham Aondo
A five hundred thousand-litre capacity ultra-modern Water Treatment Plant has been inaugurated in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area by Governor Hyacinth Alia to address the water needs of Internally Displaced Persons IDPs and their host community.
The project, funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid and implemented by the International Organization for Migration IOM in collaboration with the Benue State Government, is expected to significantly improve access to clean and safe water in the area.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Ode, the Governor described the project as a significant milestone in improving access to clean and safe water for residents of the area, noting that the initiative is a practical step toward achieving durable solutions for IDPs in the state.
Governor Alia commended development partners for their collaborative efforts in addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations through critical interventions, including the construction of the water treatment plant.
He also approved the request by the Gwer West Local Government Chairman for the reticulation of water across Naka town to ensure wider access to potable water, in addition to upgrading the Naka Dam to increase its capacity and meet growing demands.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable and durable solutions for displaced populations.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Miginot acknowledged the strategic partnership and strong support of the State Government through SEMA in implementing the project, while IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mrs. Shalom Dimanche described the project as a vital intervention aimed at providing safe water access to both IDPs and their host communities.
Chairman, Gwer West Local Government Council, Victor Ormin, appealed to the State Government to support the water reticulation project and the expansion of the Naka Dam to meet the needs of the growing population and the President of the Tyoshin Development Association, Timothy Tarnongo, called for improved security to enable displaced persons return to their ancestral homes.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. James Iorpuu, later conducted the Governor, Minister, and delegation of UN agencies and development partners to a new site where the construction of one thousand dignified shelters is ongoing to relocate IDPs currently taking refuge at UBE Junior Secondary School, Naka, with three hundred already completed.
Edited By Terna Injua
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