The Federal Government has initiated efforts to revive neglected water projects throughout the country to ensure citizens have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Joseph Utsev, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, announced these plans after a two-day inspection of water projects in Osun State. During his visit, Utsev evaluated the Ilesa and Ife water dams. He was accompanied by the Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Oroniyi.
Utsev emphasized that ongoing water projects would be completed and expressed concerns about the current capacity of the Ilesa dam, noting that it might not provide sufficient water for treatment. He assured that stakeholders would review reports and explore environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions to ensure adequate water supply.
Following his tour of various water and other project sites across the country, Utsev pledged to implement measures to ensure that Nigerians receive value for money from all projects under his ministry.
Oroniyi welcomed the minister’s visit, seeing it as a hopeful sign for both the Ilesa and Ile-Ife water projects. He noted that the long-delayed Ilesa dam project had halted, and expressed optimism that the minister’s visit would address the issues and lead to positive changes.