The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has launched an investigation after an overhead water tank at the Gwara Water Station collapsed just four days after its commissioning. The incident in Khana Local Government Area has raised concerns about construction quality, though no casualties were reported. Community leaders have demanded accountability and a broader audit of HYPREP's operations.
The Gwara Water Station, commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Environment, was intended to supply sustainable potable water to the Gwara community in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State. On November 5, 2025, HYPREP expressed deep concern over the sudden collapse of the overhead tank, which occurred four days after the launch. Eyewitnesses described the metal frame and tank crashing down, but fortunately, no one was injured.
The incident has fueled frustration among residents and stakeholders, who question the quality of materials and workmanship. Anthony Waadah, President of the Ogoni Business Owners in America, called the collapse a 'national embarrassment and a monumental fraud against the Ogoni people.' He demanded the immediate arrest and dismissal of the Minister of Environment, HYPREP Project Coordinator, and the contractor involved. Waadah alleged corruption and inefficiency within HYPREP, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency, conduct a forensic audit of all contracts and finances, and involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe companies linked to HYPREP, which he claimed are often fronts for cronies and political allies.
In response, HYPREP Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey formed a high-level committee to investigate the cause, including possible structural failure or third-party interference. The committee, which includes the State Ministry of Environment and Works, visited the site and observed broken walls and wreckage. Legal Adviser Mr. Gowon Ichibor, vice chairman of the committee, stated: 'On getting to the scene of the incident, we saw broken walls and wreckages... From now till Friday, our findings will be known.'
HYPREP's Head of Communication, Dr. Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to quality standards, noting supervision by consultants and monitoring units. He highlighted that 16 water stations have been commissioned, serving over 40 communities, some operational for more than two years. Sustainability measures include Water Consumers Associations, solar farms, and laboratories ensuring water meets World Health Organization standards. HYPREP assured the public of restoring the facility and resuming water supply to affected areas.