Kwara State Government has assured residents of adequate potable water supply provision for the satisfaction of all to enhance healthy living.
State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, gave the assurance during the State Inter-Ministrial Press briefing, held at Ministry of Finance Conference Room.
The Commissioner disclosed that Irra and Erin-Ile Waterworks have been completely rehabilitated, while the desilted Sobi Waterworks rehabilitation project is ongoing.
Hon Lade stressed that Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks have also been completed and people of the communities have started accessing potable 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.
According to him, 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 respectively
He noted that several hand and motorised boreholes have also been drilled across the state, to further enhance water supply to the people.
The Commissioner explained that this administration has completed the construction of three prototype lavatories at Ajikobi, Alanamu and Eruda communities, in Ilorin Metropolis, to avoid open defeacation, which could trigger epidemics.
Hon Lade elucidated that the state government in addition to the public lavatories has constructed along with it other smart VIP toilets in various communities, which marks a significant step towards eliminating open defecation and fostering better hygienic practices.
He emphasized that these projects are a testament to our determination to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for all LGAs in Kwara State.
Hon Lade affirmed that, Kwara State is among states to benefit from $500, 000 World Bank grant, through Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Abuja, on Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, being a technical support, enhance staff capacity, and help strengthen our Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) institutions and legislation, and ensuring a more robust water and sanitation sector.
He re-echoed that the state has commenced the implementation of the WASH counterpart funded project in partnership with United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
Hon Lade pointed out that this initiative has demonstrated the state government focus on expanding water and sanitation services to underserved communities and highlights the importance of collaboration collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
