Writing by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Kwara State Government has expressed its commitment towards ensuring adequate provision of portable water to enhance healthy living across the state.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the ministry in Ilorin.
According to him, the Erin-Ile and Irra Waterworks have been completely rehabilitated, while the desilted Sobi Waterworks rehabilitation project is ongoing.
Lade stressed that “Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks have also been completed and people of the communities have started accessing portable water supply.
He reiterated that Asa-Dam and Agba-Dam treatment plants have been significantly upgraded to enhance the quality water supply and distribution within Ilorin metropolis.
The commissioner explained that the state Government has equally handed over the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba and Omu-Aran Waterworks in Asa and Oyun Local Government Areas to contractors, for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He noted that in addition, several hand and motorized boreholes have also been drilled across the state to enhance water supply to the people.
Lade said the administration has completed the construction of three prototype lavatories at Ajikobi, Alanamu and Eruda communities, in Ilorin Metropolis and other locations to avoid open defecation, which could trigger epidemics.
He said these projects are a testament to our determination to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for all LGAs in Kwara State.
Lade affirmed that the State is among states to benefit from $500, 000 World Bank grant, through Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene.
He pointed out that the initiative has demonstrated the state government’s focus on expanding water and sanitation services to underserved communities and highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
