PHWC Trains Over 50 Journalists, Inaugurates Rivers State WASH Media Network

 The Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC) has trained over 50 journalists on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) reporting and inaugurated the Rivers State WASH Media Network to strengthen public awareness and accountability in the state’s water sector.

The journalists, drawn from print, broadcast and online media organisations, as well as independent bloggers and social media platforms, participated in a specialised media training workshop held in Port Harcourt.

The training focused on equipping media practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively report issues relating to water quality, sanitation, public health, utility management, infrastructure protection and access to safe water.

The initiative formed part of PHWC’s visibility and public awareness campaign following the completion and rehabilitation of four major water treatment facilities across Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor.

The four facilities, located at Rumuola Headquarters, Diobu, Moscow Road and Borokiri, have undergone extensive rehabilitation and upgrading under the Urban Water Reform (UWR) and Port Harcourt Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (PHWSSP).

The project is jointly co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Rivers State Government.

With the rehabilitation of the facilities, PHWC is positioned to strengthen the production and distribution of treated piped water to households, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and other institutions within Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

The facilities are equipped with modern treatment systems, including filtration, aeration, water-quality testing laboratories and automated chemical treatment systems.

PHWC said water produced at the facilities would undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it meets applicable Nigerian drinking-water standards and World Health Organization guidelines.

A major highlight of the media engagement was the inauguration of the Rivers State WASH Media Network, established to create a sustained partnership between the water corporation and the media in promoting safe water use and public health.

The network is expected to educate residents on the health and economic benefits of treated utility water while encouraging water conservation, metering and prompt payment of approved tariffs.

It will also support public advocacy against vandalism, illegal connections and other activities that could undermine water infrastructure and disrupt service delivery.

The network is further expected to provide a platform for journalists to deepen public understanding of WASH issues and promote informed reporting on developments in the state’s water sector.

In a communique issued after the inauguration, the interim leadership of the Rivers State WASH Media Network commended PHWC and the project management team for the rehabilitation and restoration of critical water infrastructure.

The network pledged to work with PHWC in sustaining public sensitisation campaigns and encouraging residents to protect and responsibly use public water infrastructure.

The media engagement is coming as PHWC moves to strengthen the return of treated piped water services in parts of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor, reducing dependence on alternative sources such as private boreholes and commercial water tankers.

The corporation said sustained public awareness and responsible use of the infrastructure would be essential to the long-term sustainability of the renewed water supply system.