YENAGOA: The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, say it has completed the execution of its pilot surface water scheme in Biseni Community, Bayelsa State, a project intended to provide potable water to oil producing communities ravaged by under ground water pollution.

The project, according to a release from the NDDC, is the latest technology in surface water treatment, explaining that the process involves pumping water direct from the river through a non-chemical filtration system with ultra-violet light that kills the germs, removes the iron content, and pumps out clean water.

The technology experts says it is most suited for riverine, and oil spill prone areas, has thus ended years of fruitless attempts to provide potable water to the communities.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva who described the project as a success story while commissioning it said he hopes it could be replicated in other communities in the state.

He promised that with the NDDC handing over the project, the state government will continue to maintain and ensure its sustainability in the community. Lauding the NDDC gesture, Governor Sylva praised the Biseni Community for their peaceful disposition throughout the duration of the project, and implored other communities to emulate them in order to attract development projects to their areas.

Also speaking at the occasion, NDDC Managing Director Mr. Timi Alaibe said having potable water in the Niger Delta communities should be a right, rather than a privilege, pointing out that, “Water is a key component in sustainable human development”.

He said the present administration was committed to resolving the Niger Delta question which was why it was included in the seven points agenda of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, adding that, the resolution of the Niger Delta problem required the support of every stakeholder.