By: Folake Ade-Adeniji

As part of ongoing efforts to revamp the water sector across Ogun State, the Ogun State Water Corporation team has embarked on another significant infrastructural assessment tour. This recent inspection covered Remo, Odogbolu, and surrounding areas, focusing on addressing critical water management challenges, replacing outdated infrastructure, and overcoming funding and logistical constraints.

The inspection team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, who reaffirmed that revitalizing the water infrastructure remains a top priority for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. She expressed optimism that the government’s renewed focus on the sector would help resolve longstanding issues and improve water supply across the state.

“Many of our water infrastructure facilities are not functioning optimally, and there are concerns regarding the inadequate utilization of available funding. This is a major challenge, and there is a lot of work to be done. We must act swiftly to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure to provide clean and potable water to the people of Ogun State.

“We urge His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, to support us in expanding water supply to more communities, as access to clean water is a fundamental necessity that requires urgent attention.

“I am confident that this administration, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that residents have regular access to clean and potable water,” she stated.

Hon. Otubanjo further assured the public that, with a team of experts working alongside her, the state should expect significant improvements in the water sector. She emphasized that her team remains committed to identifying and resolving challenges within the sector.

“This facility tour is part of our strategy to tackle the growing complexities of water management. We are confident in our ability to rehabilitate infrastructure, implement lasting solutions, enhance operations, and meet the water supply needs of Ogun State residents.”

Also speaking, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, the Consultant to the Governor on Water, reassured residents that they can expect an improved and more efficient water supply. She highlighted that the facility assessment also focuses on aging equipment, which the state government has pledged to rehabilitate.

“We have observed that some equipment in various water schemes require urgent rehabilitation and upgrades. Additionally, pipeline networks need to be improved to enhance operations and extend services to underserved communities. The state government remains committed to ensuring the availability of clean and safe water for all residents,” she stated.

Water Schemes Inspected

The facility tour covered several key water schemes, including:

• Ogere Water Surface Scheme – servicing Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan, Irolu, Ipara, Iperu Borstal Station 

• Akaka Mini Scheme – covering Akaka and Ilara

• Ilisan Borehole Scheme

• Ikene Borehole Scheme

• Odogbolu Reservoir

• Ayepe-Ijebu Reservoir

• Sagamu Scheme

The Ogun State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing the water sector and ensuring that residents have access to reliable and sustainable water supply.