The Kwara State Government has assured residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring access to potable water and improved sanitation across the state.
This was disclosed during an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, where the Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, provided updates on the government’s ongoing projects and initiatives.
Lade revealed significant progress in the rehabilitation and upgrading of waterworks across the state.
He announced that the Irra and Erin-Ile Waterworks have been fully rehabilitated, while work is ongoing at the desilted Sobi Waterworks.
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Similarly, the Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks have been completed, providing residents in these communities with access to potable water.
The Commissioner further highlighted that the Asa-Dam and Agba-Dam treatment plants have undergone significant upgrades to improve water quality and distribution within the Ilorin metropolis.
Additionally, the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba and Omu-Aran Waterworks in Asa and Oyun Local Government Areas have been handed over to contractors for reconstruction and rehabilitation, respectively.
To enhance water supply in rural areas, several hand-pumped and motorized boreholes have been drilled across the state.
Addressing sanitation, Lade noted that the state government has constructed three prototype lavatories in the Ajikobi, Alanamu, and Eruda communities in Ilorin Metropolis to combat open defecation and prevent potential health epidemics.
Furthermore, smart VIP toilets have been built in various communities, representing a critical step toward achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all local government areas in the state.
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In his briefing, the Commissioner disclosed that Kwara State is among the beneficiaries of a $500,000 World Bank grant through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The grant will provide technical support, enhance staff capacity, and strengthen the state’s Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) institutions and legislation.
He added that the state has begun implementing a WASH counterpart-funded project in partnership with UNICEF through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
This initiative aims to expand water and sanitation services to underserved communities and underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
“These projects are a testament to the government’s determination to improve the quality of life for all residents and promote healthy living through access to clean water and better sanitation,” Lade said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a robust water and sanitation sector, ensuring that all communities in Kwara State benefit from these transformative initiatives.
