Kogi State Government says it is committed to effective and efficient service delivery through the provision of potable water for citizens.
The State Commissioner of Water Resources. Engineer Farouk Yahaya made the remark while monitoring the distri
distribution center of water in parts of Lokoja metropolis.
He stated that the State Government has intensified efforts to improve on potable water supply through strategic upgrades and rehabilitation of key roads and other infrastructures.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the old Lokoja water works has raised daily water supply from one million to two million liters in the state capital.
The Commissioner explained that the exercise was to assess the distribution and efficiency of the upgraded Old Lokoja Waterworks as well as identify the trouble areas in the supply channels.
He expressed satisfaction with the increased production capacity, noting that with the positive development, the challenge of water supply would be brought to a minimal level.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for ensuring the intervention that led to the current repairs and maintenance work on water supply facilities in the state capital.
He stated that daily water production has increased from 1 million to 2 million liters where the power supply is uninterrupted for 24 to 36 hours.
According to him, “With this intervention, daily water production has increased from 1 million to 2 million liters. If we receive an uninterrupted power supply for 24 to 36 hours, we can fill the 3.5 million-liter reservoir, or fill tank A and B and ensure steady distribution across key areas,” the commissioner explained.
He said the government is working hard to address the damages caused by the devastating impact of the 2022 flood on the Greater Lokoja Waterworks which affected the electro mechanical equipment of the facility thereby causing delays in the rehabilitation.
The water Commissioner expressed concern over the attitude of residents who neglected maintaining their service lines, particularly in Angwan-Tiv where broken pipes remain in bad condition despite government interventions.
“We have engaged stakeholders, community leaders, and even volunteer groups to address these issues. However, some residents continue to neglect their service lines, expecting the government to take responsibility for their negligence. Moving forward, we may cut off supply to affected areas until necessary repairs are made,” he warned.
He noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed that the Old Lokoja Waterworks be upgraded to sustain water distribution in the state capital.
On the concerns raised by residents in Ganaja who have also experienced water supply challenges, he clarified that the Old Lokoja Waterworks currently does not extend to the area but assured that efforts are on to rehabilitate the Greater Lokoja Waterworks, adding that
technical audits and procurement processes are ongoing to restore full operations at the Greater Lokoja Water Project.
Engineer Farouk Yahaya urged residents to take public facilities as their personal one, stressing that maintenance of such facilities is the responsibility of all.
“Many people have damaged pipes within their compounds yet refuse to fix them, even when the cost is as little as ₦5,000. They end up spending much more buying water from vendors instead. The government is doing its part, but the community must also protect and maintain the infrastructure,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, some residents who could not hide their joy spoke to Our Reporter while fetching water from the flowing taps, expressing gratitude to the government for the restoration of potable water after a long period of time.
Others described it as a long-awaited breakthrough, emphasizing how the intervention would ease their daily struggles and reduce the cost of purchasing water from private vendors.
The Commissioner and his team monitored the water distribution in key Lokoja metropolitan areas, including the Army Barracks, Kogi State Polytechnic, Angwa-Tiv and Kabawa.as well as Phase One and Adankolo areas.