Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof Joseph Utsev, Saturday, commissioned a 5-point water borehole for corps members and staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, Kubwa, Abuja.
The commissioning of the borehole which has two overhead tanks, coincided with this year’s World Water Day celebration with the theme: “Glacier Preservation.”
The minister, in the company of the permanent secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah and top staff members of the ministry, highlighted the importance of glacier in regulating water cycle and preserving human, animal and plant lives.
Utsev stated that the event is “an annual, global celebration which comes every March 22 yearly to recognise the significance of water and its role in sustainable development as Nigeria proudly joins the international community in celebrating the important occasion.”
He noted that, “glaciers have shaped earth’s landscape, carving valleys and sculpting mountains. Glaciers serve as a vital water source for both people and wildlife in many regions,” and enjoined the beneficiaries of the facility to make judicious use of it.
Reiterating the importance of the event, the permanent secretary, Richard Pheelangwah said this year’s theme emphasised “the interconnection of global water resources and the essential role that sustainable water management plays in the health of our environment and survival of our future generation.”
Pheelangwah noted that as glaciers melt due to climate change, the impact on global water supplies is becoming increasingly evident, reminding Nigerians of the need to manage water resources with care.
He urged the media to join in the public awareness on water conservation as it is only through collective actions at the local, national and global levels that we can ensure a future that is clean, safe and sufficient with water for all.