“I Want Queenites to Have Access to Safe and Clean Drinking Water” - An Interview with the Health Minister of Queen Elizabeth II Hall on the Installation of the Aqua Project

By:Sanni Juliet Oluwadarapupo

A new tank erected in B-Block area bore the inscription "Strictly for Drinking". Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press interviewed the Health Minister who is responsible for what she has dubbed the 'Aqua Project', an initiative that aims to bring safe drinking water to Queenites.

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Akinyinka Rebecca, a 400-level Nursing student and the Health Minister of Queen Elizabeth II Hall.

How has it been taking up the role of the Health Minister of Queen Elizabeth II Hall so far?

It has not been easy, I must say. There are days I am disturbed, though I would not like to use the word “disturb”. I remember one morning around 6: 00 am when someone knocked on my door saying she had fallen. There are days when I take people to Jaja despite having exams. It is quite a lot, but I love the experience. As a nursing student, it gives me the privilege to provide first-hand treatment to people even with little knowledge. 

Can you tell me more about the Aqua Project?

The Aqua project is part of my manifesto plan, and I am passionate about SDG 6, clean water and sanitation. During my 100-level days, I vowed not to drink the water from the tank because I did not know if the water was clean and did not want to be treating an infection. Because of this, I bought pure water to drink. The vision was borne when I showed interest in vying for the post of Health Minister. I asked myself, what could I do differently? If Queenites have access to clean water, it will help them avoid water infection. The Aqua project is to provide clean and safe water for Queenites.

Were there challenges you encountered during the project?

I faced a lot of challenges. With a clear vision of what I wanted to do, I drafted a proposal. I also reached out to different people, asked for funds and posted it on all my social media accounts. I even tendered the proposal to various organisations and was discouraged when people were not showing interest. When I reached out to an alumnus, the Health Minister of the Hall for the 2017/2018 session, Mrs Ayomide Folusho, who is also passionate about SDG 6 she shouldered most finances for the project. Although, I still reached out to some people.

What makes the water safe for Queenites to drink?

I tagged the project ‘water filter tank’ because it has a filter at the back and a candle that assists in filtering the water. What makes the tank different from other tanks is the filter that removes germs and dirt. Also, I put a water guard in the tank before pumping.

Is the filter sustainable or reusable?

The plumber who fixed the tank said the filter could last up to two years. I also bought an additional filter because I plan on handing it over to the next Health Minister as I want this project to be sustained. The filter can last up to five years while the candle inside the filter can be changed every six months.

What are the rules regarding using the tank?

I do not buy the idea of closing the tank but Queenites, knowing that the water is strictly for drinking will use it for other things like cooking and washing. A fine is attached to any offender caught. With the water taking up to eight hours before being pumped and filtered priority is placed on pumping other tanks because of the time it takes to pump the drinking water. For now, it is not in my power to decide as it is in the hands of the porters, although, when I notice that it is not pumped, I step in.

 How will you ensure that the Aqua project endures long after your tenure?

As I said, I have already put measures in place. One of the things my successor must know about is the Aqua project. I have made available an additional filter, water guard and candles which will be replaced. To ensure continuity, these materials will be handed over to my successor. I will also ensure that I am in touch with the elected members so they can reach out to me as this is a project that is very important to me.

Thank you so much for speaking to Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press.