By Abasi Ita
In a deliberate effort to tackle the long-standing lack of potable water in Bomu community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI Nigeria), in partnership with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has unveiled the Bomu Water Project, bringing much-needed relief to residents of the Ogoni community.
The initiative, timed to coincide with the 2026 World Water Day celebration under the theme “Water for Peace,” provides clean, safe water to residents, improving health outcomes, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing overall social well-being. Communities in the Niger Delta, particularly in Ogoniland, have long faced environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure. The project addresses these challenges by reducing waterborne diseases and easing the daily burden on women and children who previously traveled long distances to fetch water.
Speaking to newsmen at the project site, Prof. Mina Ogbanga, Founding Executive Director of CEDSI Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s role in community engagement, ensuring local ownership and sustainable management of the infrastructure. “Water is more than a resource; it is the foundation of dignity and a catalyst for peace,” she said. “The success of the Bomu Water Project shows what can be achieved when government agencies, civil society, and host communities work together. We are not just building pipelines; we are restoring hope.”
Also speaking, Acting Country Manager Blessing Chikwendu noted, “Despite the challenges, the project has successfully delivered a reliable potable water supply to the community.”
Community leader Zua Lenyie expressed gratitude, emphasizing the positive impact on daily life, while former councillor and Community Liaison Officer Isaac Boulu described the water scheme as a “huge relief” and called for strong collaboration with donors to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance.
Other community members noted that the initiative has already produced measurable benefits, including improved health, reduced time spent fetching water, expanded educational and economic opportunities, and contributions to the broader environmental remediation of Ogoniland.
CEDSI Nigeria remains committed to sustainable development, environmental justice, and community empowerment, while HYPREP continues to implement the United Nations Environment Programme’s recommendations for Ogoniland restoration. The Bomu Water Project stands as a model of successful collaboration, demonstrating how access to clean water can restore hope, improve livelihoods, and promote peace in communities affected by environmental challenges.
World Water Day, observed on March 22, highlights the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable water management. It raises awareness of water’s critical role in health, food, livelihoods, and ecosystems, urges governments and communities to provide universal access to safe, clean, and affordable water, and encourages responsible use to protect this vital resource for present and future generations