Water Sector, Gov. Ododo's Topmost Priority - Kogi Water Resources Commissioner »

… Discloses that Greater Lokoja Water Works Will Soon Begin Operation

The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk, MNSE, MNICE has disclosed that the
water sector remains the topmost priority of the present administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, reason why he said no stone has been left unturned towards ensuring that whatever is holding water from flowing to homes in the State is resolved.

The Commissioner made the disclosure while speaking on the occasion of this year’s World Water Day, with the Theme: “Leaveraging Water For Peace”, held at the Ministry of Water Resources Conference Hall.

Engr. Farouk said the administration’s seriousness is juxtaposed by the rehabilitation of Okene and Old Lokoja Water Works that has begun the supply of water to the people few weeks after his assumption of office as Governor.

The Commissioner added that as a way of finding a permanent solution to the water challenge facing the people and for the administration to satisfy a greater proportion of the population, a Technical Audit, he explained, has been conducted for the Greater Lokoja Water Works, expressed optimism that in the next few weeks, the Greater Water Works will begin operation.

The Technical Audit the Commissioner disclosed was occasioned by the perennial flooding that was discovered to have damaged the water facility over time, expressed confidence that after the Turn Around Maintenance, water challenge facing the people will be a thing of the past.

The Commissioner explained that the Greater Lokoja Water is a 10million gallons daily capacity 🌊 facility, has 6 high lift pumps, with space for expansion, as well as 3 other sedimentation tanks when operational, but said the facility was damaged by the annual flooding that ravages the State.

” If operational the Greater Lokoja Water has the capacity to supply Water to Banda and Kabba junction. What is holding the operation of one of the State Largest asset is because Gov. Ododo has directed the clearing of all electromechanical faults, raise above water level all the electromechanical fault because of annual flooding as well as complete the reticulation pumping which has abiinitio been suspended”.

“Similarly, the delay in the operations of the Greater Lokoja Water Works is the directives to install an electronic billing system, and facility that would electronically monitor the pipes when in operation”.

“After the completion of the Turn Around Maintenance, you cannot illegally temper with pipe and Water. Similarly, without recharge card, you can not use water, without being charged”, said the rehabilitation of the old Water works is geared towards ameliorating the suffering of the people in the interim as well as to check future challenge that may occur during the maintenance of the Greater Lokoja Water Works”.

Engr. Farouk stated that the old Lokoja waterwork has two reservoir that are now working, said water treatment is ongoing to give a certain section of the old metropolis water that is known for be associated with issues of sanitation.

The Commissioner added that the State through RUWASSA is working on ensuring that surface water and seasonal streams if impounded can serve the period of dry season in rural communities outside the urban centers, disclosed that the
Provision of water across towns and communities in the State is Gov. Ododo’s topmost priority.

Henceforth the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry, saddled to provide water to the people will from next year make the world water day a week long celebration towards creating awareness, partnership and collaboration.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commending officer in charge of the Chaplain Corps Commander Balewa Francis, described the 2024 Theme for this year’s World Water Day as “Leveraging Water For Peace”, as apt in view of the importance of water to man, Plant and Animals.

Commander Balewa said man is faced by man made challenge of pollution as regards water, said the time to begin to leaverage
freshwater and sanitation as becoming very apt.

The Commander said Leveraging water for peace will will help reduce many conflicts, described the Ministry of Water Resources as a worthy partner towards ensuring that the campaign for safe water gets to the grassroots.

He described the challenges of Management of safe Water as one that requires enlightenment, said
If people who are knowledgeable and educated complain of having issues with water, wandered what villagers who are not knowledgeable would face in accessing safe water, expressed readiness to partner with the relevant stakeholders in anyway possible to create a peaceful society.

Mr. Kabiru Salihu, Chairman, Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners Practitioners, (AWDROP) Kogi State Chapter, assured of the Association’s readiness to partnership that will ensure the availability of safe Water.

Highlights of the occasion was a goodwill message by Mr. Gabriel Akor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, said the relevant of water to man, plant and animals when taking regularly cannot be overemphasized, reason why the State government is committed to providing safe water, praised the Ministry and the Chaplaincy for sensitizing Nigerians on the need to consume clean water.

Similarly, the Director Rural Water Sanitation, Supply Agency who represented the Managing Director, Alh. Adobe Salami appreciated the administration of Gov Ododo for his administration’s efforts in providing sustainable water, noting that it leads to peace, stressed that the Importance of water cannot be overemphasized.