Three schools in three communities in Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa have benefitted from water projects by the State’s Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF).

The benefitting Schools are Government Science and Technical College at Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama LGA, GSTC Ayamasa and Community Secondary School, Isampou, both in Ekeremor LGA.

The intervention by the EDTF in partnership with the Sustainable Partnership Initiative for Development (SPID) has provided water projects in eleven schools in 11 communities of Bayelsa.

The 9,000 liter water project for each of the benefitting schools is aimed at providing potable drinking water for students, teachers and the communities and improve sanitation and hygiene in educational institutions located in communities across Bayelsa.

Inaugurating the projects before handing them over to the schools, Commissioner for Education, Doctor Gentle Emelah represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Simon Okene said the water schemes were part of efforts by the Gov Douye Diri-led administration to provide a conducive teaching learning environment in schools, urging the beneficiaries to secure and maintain the facilities.

Chairman, Publicity and Sensitization Committee at the EDTF Board, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki stated that the EDTF embarked on the projects in line with the directive of the State government to prevent water borne diseases in schools and communities.

In a remark on behalf of the Sustainable Partnership Initiative for Development (SPID), Mr. Weni Igirigi said the water project was put in place to support the government’s effort to improve sanitation and hygiene.

At the GSTC Ofoni, the Vice Principal , Mr. Edesemi Oruagono who spoke on behalf of the Principal, Mr. Dick Ogbeyan thanked the EDTF for the water project and previous intervention of providing 400 mattresses and sick bay for the school.

At GSTC Ayamasa, the Paramount ruler of the community, Chief Moses Oyaseiye and the Principal Mr. Jacob Okori expressed gratitude to the State government and the EDTF for the gesture appealing for the provision of buses to transport day students and quick commencement of academic activities at the newly built school.

In Isampou, the traditionai ruler of the community, Chief Edward Oya-Otu Derekumor and the Principal of CSS Isampou, Dr. Donbebefa Awomi were full of joy for the water project and requested perimeter fencing and the construction of a laboratory for the school.