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The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo has stated that the provision of portable water for the residents of Ogun State is one of the top priorities of the government.
Otubanjo made this known while speaking with newsmen during a statewide technical assessment tour to evaluate the functionality and efficiency of key water supply infrastructures in the state.
She explained that the administration of Governor Abiodun has intensified efforts to revitalize water facilities across the State as part of his strategic intervention towards transforming water accessibility and improving public welfare.
She said: “The latest phase of the tour covered several communities in Ogun East Senatorial District, including Ijebu Imusin, Odonopa, Ijebu Ife, Iwopin, Itele, Oni, Ibiade, and Abigi. It follows earlier visits to Ijebu Ode, Ikangba, Yemoji, Ogere, and Ilisan, as well as a prior inspection of major water schemes in Ogun West Senatorial District, encompassing Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, Iboro, and Ota.
“The overarching objective of the ongoing assessment is to ascertain the operational status of existing water facilities, identify systemic bottlenecks, and develop sustainable, forward-looking solutions for enhancing water delivery to both urban and rural populations.”
She further emphasized the unwavering commitment of Governor Abiodun to ensuring universal access to safe and potable water.
“Access to clean water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. Our focus is on impactful service delivery, ensuring we leave no community behind.
“Preliminary findings from the tour indicate critical challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate power supply, and a shortage of technical personnel across several locations,” she added.
On her part, the Consultant to the Governor on Water, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, who had earlier conducted independent assessments of each scheme and provided detailed recommendations, noted that while some facilities are either operational or easily restorable, such as Odonopa in Ijebu Imusin, which requires a solar-powered borehole, others demand more intensive intervention.
She cited the Abigi Package Plant, commissioned in 1984 by Brigadier Oladipo Diya, stating that the plant requires a new borehole and solar power infrastructure to function optimally.
She, however, added that facilities in areas such as Itele, Iwopin, Ogun Waterside, and Ijebu Imusin were found to be in such a state of disrepair that a complete overhaul or reconstruction would be more practical than rehabilitation.