The Kogi State Authorities has doubled the day by day water provide in Lokoja from a million litres to 2 million litres as a part of ongoing efforts to enhance potable water distribution within the state capital.
The Commissioner for Water Assets, Mr. Farouk Yahaya, disclosed this on Monday whereas monitoring the upgraded Larger Lokoja Waterworks and its provide channels throughout completely different elements of the metropolis.
Whereas expressing satisfaction with the elevated manufacturing capability, Yahaya highlighted challenges in sustaining service strains, notably in Angwan-Tiv, the place damaged pipes stay unattended regardless of authorities interventions.
“We’ve engaged stakeholders, neighborhood leaders, and even volunteer {groups} to deal with these points. Some residents proceed to neglect their service strains, anticipating the federal government to take duty for his or her negligence. Transferring ahead, we could lower off provide to affected areas till essential repairs are made,” he stated.
The commissioner recommended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his dedication to water provide infrastructure, which facilitated the current repairs and upkeep work in Lokoja.
Kogi state has been addressing longstanding water shortage points regardless of being positioned on the confluence of Nigeria’s two largest rivers, the Niger and the Benue, Lokoja has confronted persistent potable water shortages.
In 2022, one other catastrophic flood additional broken the water amenities, exacerbating town’s water disaster. These floods not solely impaired water remedy vegetation but additionally contaminated present water sources
Yahaya famous that constant energy provide is essential for uninterrupted water distribution.
“If we obtain uninterrupted energy provide for twenty-four to 36 hours, we are able to fill the three.5 million-litre reservoir and guarantee regular distribution throughout key areas,” he said.
The commissioner additionally acknowledged the harm brought on by the 2022 flood, which affected the electro-mechanical tools of the Lokoja Waterworks, inflicting delays in rehabilitation.
“The federal government is working onerous to deal with the harm brought on by the devastating influence of the 2022 flood on the Lokoja Waterworks,” he stated.
He additional revealed that technical audits and procurement processes are ongoing to make sure the total restoration of the Larger Lokoja Waterworks. Moreover, the Previous Lokoja Waterworks is being upgraded to assist water distribution, notably for areas like Ganaja which have confronted provide challenges.
Yahaya urged residents to take duty for sustaining their family water connections.
“Many individuals have broken pipes inside their compounds but refuse to repair them, even when the fee is as little as ₦5,000. They find yourself spending rather more shopping for water from distributors, as an alternative. The Authorities is doing its half, however the neighborhood should additionally shield and keep the infrastructure,” he emphasised.
He additionally talked about that the Ministry of Setting and different related businesses are working to make sure the security and high quality of potable water in Lokoja.
