The Paramount Ruler of Ancient Okwale Community, Mene Barikui B. J. Akpa Gbosi Gbarakoro Okwale IX and Kasimene Bua Kua, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, has alleged that since the Ogoni cleanup was launched in 2016, it has faced persistent mismanagement of funds, non-existent contractors or, in most cases, inexperienced contractors.
The paramount ruler also alleged that HYPREP selected contractors without experience, who, according to him, do not know their onions in the job, which is why the Okwale community water project was abandoned.
He said the Okwale community water project, which was officially approved and kick-started by HYPREP in June 2023, has become a shadow of itself and a breeding ground for reptiles and other dangerous animals.
The paramount ruler wondered why HYPREP singled Okwale community out for ridicule.
“What did Okwale community do to deserve such treatment from HYPREP?” he rhetorically asked.
“If you go to other Ogoni communities, there are either completed HYPREP projects or, in other cases, ongoing projects. But in the case of Okwale community, HYPREP came to make jest of us,” he alleged.
Mene Barikui B. J. Akpa Gbosi Gbarakoro Okwale IX and Kasimene Bua Kua continued: “Okwale community is a very peaceful community with well-behaved youths, but HYPREP should not take us for granted.”
The paramount ruler wondered why HYPREP should start a project if it does not have the intention of completing it.
Kasimene Bua Kua said his people are suffering because an average person in Okwale community cannot afford clean, drinkable water because of the pollution.
The paramount ruler called on HYPREP to order the contractor handling the Okwale community water project to return to site or re-award the contract to a capable contractor.
In conclusion, the paramount ruler of Ancient Okwale Community said if, by the end of November, nothing is done on the Okwale community water project, HYPREP will leave them with no option but a peaceful protest.
“The era of taking Okwale community for granted by both politicians and HYPREP is over. The youths of Okwale community are ready to take what rightfully belongs to them,” the Paramount Ruler said.
“For Christ’s sake, we are not begging HYPREP; this is our right. Okwale community should have access to clean, drinkable water, and HYPREP and their contractors are making that impossible in my community.
“I therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Environment to call the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to either re-award the contract or order the contractor back to site, so that Okwale community will have a sense of belonging among other Ogoni communities,” he concluded.
