HYPREP Launches Investigation into Water Tank Collapse in Gwara Community
In response to the recent collapse of a water tank in Gwara community, located within the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has initiated an investigation. The agency has assured the residents that the damaged facility will be rebuilt to meet the required standards.
During a press briefing held in Port Harcourt, Mr. Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, the Head of Communications at HYPREP, highlighted that the Project Coordinator had immediately formed an investigative committee to determine the cause of the incident and ensure accountability.
“Following the collapse of the water tank, the Project Coordinator quickly constituted an investigative committee to get to the root of the issue,” Mba-Nwigoh stated. “HYPREP will ensure that our people get the best, and the damaged facility will be fixed.”
Mba-Nwigoh also shared information about HYPREP’s ongoing efforts in Ogoniland, where the agency has already commissioned 16 water projects. These projects have provided potable water to 45 communities, with an ambitious target to reach 65 communities by the end of 2025.
“We are targeting to provide water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of 2025,” he said. “All our projects are executed with strict attention to quality, safety, and integrity. We do not compromise standards.”
The agency has also recorded five million manhours without any injury, a feat that Mba-Nwigoh described as a testament to HYPREP’s safety culture and commitment to best practices.
“Already, we have recorded five million manhours without injury, which speaks to our high safety standards and culture,” he said. “We have consultants and monitoring officers who ensure that our contractors comply with project specifications.”
Ongoing Investigation and Reconstruction Efforts
Mr. Ichibor Gowon, HYPREP’s Legal Adviser and Vice Chairman of the investigation committee, confirmed that the committee had visited the scene of the incident to begin its assessment.
“We were there first thing this morning and a committee has been constituted to investigate the cause of the collapse,” Gowon said. “The good news is that we have commissioned 16 water projects and only one has collapsed. That is a pass mark, and we assure the people of Ogoniland that we will restore the Gwara water project.”
Gowon explained that while debris from the collapsed tank was still being cleared, the foundation remained intact, which would aid reconstruction.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and by Friday we will speak again to give updates,” he added. “We are on top of our game and pray it will not be a human error.”
Commitment to Transparency and Community Safety
HYPREP reiterated its commitment to transparency, community safety, and the timely delivery of all remediation and livelihood projects under the Ogoni clean-up programme.
The agency continues to emphasize its dedication to maintaining high standards in all its operations, ensuring that the communities it serves receive the necessary support and resources.
As the investigation progresses, HYPREP remains focused on delivering results that meet the expectations of the people of Ogoniland. The organization is determined to learn from this incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.