HYPREP Shocked at Collapse of Gwara Overhead Water Reservoir, Sets Up Fact-Finding Committee

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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has expressed shock and concern over the sudden collapse of the overhead water tank at the newly commissioned Gwara Water Station in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its Management, HYPREP described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” adding that an immediate investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the collapse.

According to the statement, the Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has constituted a high-level committee to visit the site and commence a thorough probe into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

“The Committee has already visited the site and will be painstaking in its investigation to establish whether the collapse was due to structural failure or third-party interference,” HYPREP said.

While empathising with the Gwara community, the Project appealed for calm, assuring residents that efforts are underway to restore the damaged facility and resume water supply to affected communities.

The statement reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to maintaining quality standards in all its projects. It noted that internal and external quality assurance and control measures have been strengthened, including the engagement of project consultants, supervision by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, and oversight by Water Supervisors.

HYPREP further stated that aside from this “isolated case,” 16 other water stations have been successfully commissioned, currently supplying clean water to over 40 communities—some of which have been operational for more than two years.

The agency also highlighted ongoing sustainability initiatives such as the creation of Water Consumers Associations (WCA), installation of solar farms to ensure alternative power supply, and training of laboratory staff to maintain water quality in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

“HYPREP remains unwavering in its resolve to deliver quality projects that meet best international standards and sustainably serve impacted communities,” the statement concluded.