Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has advocated for protection of rivers and waterways from pollution and challenges relating to climate change in the country.
It said this will promote integrated water resources and restore rivers damaged by pollution, urbanisation, climate change and other human activities.
The minister of water resources and sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, made the call during this year’s World Water Day celebration in Abuja with the theme: “The incredible natural, cultural, and recreational values of rivers, lakes, and streams in our communities” with a sub-theme of “Rights of Rivers.”
He said the theme of the event reinforced the government’s desire to treat rivers and lakes as living entities entitled to fundamental rights.
The minister said the safety of rivers would create a synergy of both surface and groundwater for the sustenance of the aquatic habitats and nation’s socio-economic growth.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stressed the need for collective efforts to protect rivers as they are the major sources of fresh water for life sustenance.
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic tree planting and cleaning of Jabi Lake bank.
