22/03/2026
‘Water is a fundamental human right. Ensuring access to potable water in Ogoni
communities is sacrosanct.’
-Professor Nenibarini Zabbey
PRESS STATEMENT
HYPREP REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE PROVISION OF POTABLE WATER IN OGONI
As the world marks this year's World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) reiterates its commitment to providing potable water in Ogoni, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.
This year's theme: Water and Gender, with the campaign slogan, Where Water Flows, Equity Grows, succinctly reflects HYPREP's noble commitment to go beyond the UNEP recommendation of providing water solely to oil-impacted communities. Instead, HYPREP is working hard to deliver potable water to all Ogoni communities. It reinforces and aligns with our stance that water is a fundamental human right, and ensuring access to potable water in Ogoni communities is sacrosanct.
With a feeling of equality and inclusivity, we are implementing this thematic component of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme. To date, we have successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni. We are also advancing this effort with the start of our Phase 3 water projects, which will benefit an additional 17 communities in Ogoni, while the windmill-powered water projects in less populated communities in parts of Khana LGA are progressing steadily.
In the coming weeks, the K-Dere Water Project, which is at over 99% complete, will be commissioned for use. This is as work continues on other water projects across Ogoni.With these, HYPREP is on course to meet Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 6- ensuring the availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Ogoni communities by 2030.
Furthermore, we reaffirm our commitment to providing water that meets the highest standards. To ensure the sustainability of these water projects, we have adopted a joint management model involving HYPREP, communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). We have also established the Water Consumers' Association in Nchia, Eleme, and, in collaboration with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), conducted training in other communities.
Consequently, it is a strong belief that sustainable water supply in Ogoni begins with community ownership, support, and protection of the HYPREP water facilities. We therefore take this opportunity to reiterate the Hon. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal's call for communities to continue to assume responsibility for safeguarding HYPREP water facilities.
Together, we can realize our goal of providing access to safe drinking water across Ogoni communities. Happy Celebration!
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey
Project Coordinator
22nd March, 2026