Kwara Government Commits to Potable Water Supply and Sanitation Projects
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing residents with adequate potable water supply and improved sanitation facilities to promote healthy living.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, made this declaration during a State Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room earlier this week.
Lade disclosed that the Irra and Erin-Ile waterworks had undergone complete rehabilitation, while work was ongoing to desilt and restore the Sobi Waterworks. He further noted the successful completion of the Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks, with residents of both communities already accessing potable water supply.
Significant upgrades have also been made to the Asa-Dam and Agba-Dam treatment plants, enhancing the quality and distribution of water 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.
To further address water access issues, Hon. Lade announced the drilling of several hand-pumped and motorized boreholes across the state.
In a bid to combat open defecation, the commissioner highlighted the completion of three prototype lavatories in Ajikobi, Alanamu, and Eruda communities within Ilorin. These facilities aim to prevent health risks associated with open defecation and promote better hygienic practices.
Lade also revealed the construction of smart VIP toilets in various communities, emphasizing that these projects are crucial steps toward achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all local government areas of Kwara State.
On the state’s collaboration with international partners, Lade announced that Kwara is among the beneficiaries of a $500,000 World Bank grant through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Abuja. The grant, provided under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, aims to provide technical support, enhance staff capacity, and strengthen water and sanitation legislation in the state.
Furthermore, the commissioner confirmed the ongoing implementation of a counterpart-funded project with UNICEF, executed through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA). This initiative focuses on expanding water and sanitation services in underserved communities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals.
Lade assured residents that the state government remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supply and sanitation infrastructure for the well-being of all citizens.
