Open Letter To His Excellency, Governor Ododo Ahmed Usman On The Collapse of the Greater Lokoja Water Project
By Fanisi Babatunde .PhD
Your Excellency,
Compliments of the seasons. My name is Fanisi Babatunde, PhD, a concerned citizen residing in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital. I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue impacting the Capital City which is the failure of the Greater Lokoja Public Portable Water project.
Your Excellency Sir, Access to clean, portable water is a fundamental human need, essential for the health and well-being of any community. The Greater Lokoja Water project, initiated by Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, once provided reliable water to Lokoja and had ambitions for future expansion to hinterlands and suburbs, with the potential for replication in various Local Government Area (LGA) headquarters. This project promised significant relief and development across our state.
Regrettably, over the years, this commendable initiative has not been maintained and has now descended into a severe crisis. Lokoja residents are compelled to dig multiple boreholes due to frequent failures, creating a substantial financial burden and highlighting the impacts of climate change and diminishing groundwater levels. The cost of digging boreholes is prohibitive for many impoverished residents, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention.
Your Excellency, I believe a major factor in the project’s failure was the state’s inability to generate revenue for its sustainability. In states like Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), residents pay water rates not to enrich the government but to ensure the maintenance of the water infrastructure. These services are often metered per residence or estate, which helps guarantee a sustainable future for the water supply system and enables the state to extend services to previously unserved areas.
The success of any administration is often measured by the implementation of people-oriented programs, particularly those aiding the disadvantaged. Not everyone can afford to dig a borehole, making it vital for the government to provide this essential service. I respectfully urge you to reconsider and revive the Greater Lokoja Water project to meet our societal needs.
Your administration’s notable efforts to improve the lives of civil servants, pensioners, and the LGA workforce cum addressing insecurity are commendable. I now appeal to you to address our failing water infrastructure. The longer this issue is neglected, the more irreparable the damage becomes.
To ensure the successful revival of this crucial project, I urge you to personally oversee its progress. It is essential to rely solely on expert opinions and safeguard allocated funds from mismanagement or theft.
The people of Kogi State, especially those in the State capital, are placing their trust in you to revitalize this vital project. We believe in your dedication to improving the lives of our citizens and hope you will prioritize this issue on your agenda.
May God guide and bless you in your endeavors, Your Excellency.
Fanisi Babatunde .PhD, writes from Lokoja, Capital City of Kogi State, Nigeria.
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