By Adeniyi Adedeji, Ilorin
Water projects almost started by former governor of Kwara State, Mohammed Lawal. but abandoned for 17 years by succeeding administrations are now being fixed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
About 11 of the moribund high-volume overhead (concrete) water reservoirs that the former governor, who is now late, have now been fixed and connected to newly drilled boreholes to deepen access to water in Ilorin metropolis, the state capital.
Spokesman to the governor, Rafiu Ahakaiye, in a statement at the weekend, said rehabilitation of the 11 reservoirs, 17 years after they were abandoned, was the first phase of his boss resolve to ease people’s access to potable water.
The first phase he said, was the rehabilitation of reservoirs at Sango, Surulere, Adangba, Kongbari, Idi-Ape, Ogidi, Oke-Apomu, Balogun, Ajikobi, Isale Koko, and Senni areas of Ilorin.
He said, “This has resulted in the fixing of the water reservoirs, drilling of eight new boreholes and resuscitation of three others to service them.
“Fetching points were also created in the areas, including at Sango, where a fetching point was taken into the market. The people of all the affected areas now have better access to drinkable water.”
Also, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hajia Fatimah Arinola Lawal, said the administration plans to replicate the same elsewhere in the state to boost access to water, especially in areas with poor or no reticulations.
Meanwhile, the administration is reported to have rehabilitated over eight major water works and over 400 boreholes across the state, deepening people’s access to potable water and making hygienic sanitation possible.
The water works are in Yashikira; Gwanara; Lafiagi; Patigi; Igbaja; Oloru; Asa; and Kaiama in the northern flank of the state.
The reconstruction and rehabilitation of the ‘Up Lawal’ concrete tanks across the state will enhance the policy thrust of this administration to ensure access to potable water within 500 meter.
