Governor Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated a 5,000 cubic-metre-per-day water treatment plant for internally displaced persons in Naka, Gwer West LGA.
Mr Alia said that the water project, provided by the International Organisation for Migration and other partners, aligned with the state government’s priority.
The governor assured that the state government would join hands with Gwer West LGA chairman, Victor Ormin, to ensure proper reticulation of the water across Naka.
He said that the reticulation would prevent residents from clustering in one location to access the facility.
Mr Alia further called for excavating the dam to a deeper level to increase its capacity and accommodate more water to serve the growing population.
The governor disclosed that the Benue State government had shown strong interest in expanding the project and invited development partners to contribute to increasing its capacity as well.
Humanitarian affairs minister Bernard Doro said in his remarks that the treatment plant represented more than physical infrastructure. Mr Doro described the project as a restoration of dignity, protection against waterborne diseases and a reinforcement of community resilience.
The minister further disclosed that the lack of a clean water supply increased the risk of disease outbreaks and deepened hardship, especially for women and children who bear the burden of water collection.
The minister commended the European Union and other partners for their support in mitigating humanitarian challenges, reiterating that access to clean water would improve health outcomes, boost productivity and accelerate recovery in affected communities.
Head of the IOM Sub-Office in Makurdi, Mediatrice Berangayabo, said that an environmental assessment of the Naka camp revealed urgent water needs among IDPs living in makeshift mosquito-net tents while awaiting durable solutions.
Ms Berangayabo explained that the intervention was designed not only for the displaced persons but also for host communities in Gwer West to foster social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
IOM chief in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, expressed satisfaction that the organisation had fulfilled its promise to provide clean water for both IDPs and host communities.
Ms Dimanche noted that the project was made possible through collaboration with partners and the Benue government.
(NAN)