Kogi Govt Explains Delay in Restoring Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant »

The Kogi State Government has addressed the public regarding the prolonged delay in the restoration of the Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant, a critical project that ensures stable water supply to the state’s capital and its environs.

In a press briefing held on Friday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Faruk outlined several key challenges that have hindered the timely completion of the restoration efforts after it was badly damaged by flooding. According to Engr. Faruk, the Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant, one of the best in Nigeria, has the capacity to treat and produce 10 million gallons of water per day if it is ran for 20 hours daily, with ground for expansion to 15 million gallon.

He however lamented that one of the risk factors of the plant since inception was its location, pointing out that it was not properly situated as proper hydrological data wasn’t gathered before setting it up. He said unfortunately, the 2012 flooding which was followed by that of 2022 broke unprecedented records due to climate change which was not envissaged at the time of locating the facility.

“Within the facilities are electromechanical equipments which must not be submerged, but all went under the water for almost 8 weeks during the 2022 flooding, damaging four of its six equipments. Right from the intake to the chemical dozen pump which were 12, 10 are already damaged, halting water treatment and supply,” he stated.

Engr. Faruk noted that replacing this expensive equipment is necessary to resume operations. He said the state government is considering three options to restore water supply, which includes: relocating the entire Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant at a cost of N120 billion to N150 billion; relocating two major flood-prone sections at a cost of N70 billion to N90 billion; or raising the equipment above the 2022 flood level, which also involves significant costs.

Despite these setbacks, The Commissioner assured residents that the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo in its commitment to addressing the scarcity of potable water in Lokoja and surrounding areas has directed the ministry to begin rehabilitatio of the Old Lokoja Water Works to provide interim water supply to some areas whilst efforts to restore the Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant continue. He said the state have been able to procure 3 high lead pipes which would be used to reconnect the old water works to supply water.

He however noted that tanker points will be made available to provide water to areas where the water works can’t reach due to expansion. While efforts are on by the state government to revamp it’s equipments at the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to ensure adequate water provision through borehole for rural areas.

Engr. Faruk also mentioned that the government plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water, explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and consider state government financing to revive the greater Lokoja water facility.

Relating to dam and Irrigation services, the Commissioner said some of the dams in Kogi State are being considered for rehabilitation for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation purposes.