- He emphasized that ongoing water projects would be completed to meet the needs of the population
The Federal Government has initiated steps to revitalize abandoned water projects across the country in a bid to provide safe drinking water for citizens.
The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during a two-day inspection of water projects in Osun State.
Utsev, who was accompanied by the Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Oroniyi, visited the Ilesa water dam in Kajola and the Ife water dam in Ogudu. He emphasized that ongoing water projects would be completed to meet the needs of the population.
Speaking at the Ilesa dam, the Minister explained that his inspection was part of a three-day tour of water project sites across the southwest region. He said, “We’ve been touring the country, and now we are visiting the Southwest Zone, which brought us to these dam sites in Osun. The purpose of this dam is to supply water to the treatment plant for distribution to the residents of this area. However, upon inspection, I observed that the water volume required for treatment is insufficient.”
He added that after reviewing reports from consultants, stakeholders would explore environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions to ensure adequate water supply.
Utsev also mentioned that after completing his tour of various project sites nationwide, he would implement strategies to ensure Nigerians receive value for money on all projects under his ministry.
In his remarks, Commissioner Oroniyi welcomed the minister’s visit, describing it as a positive step towards advancing the Ilesa and Ile-Ife water projects.