Lokoja Greater Water Works To Begin Operations Before End Of Year – Water Resources Commissioner, Engr Farouk As He Receives Challenged Parenthood Initiative

The Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources, Engineer Farouk Yahaya has reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving potable water supply within Lokoja metropolis and its environs.

Engineer Farouk Yahaya gave the assurance in his office on Thursday while receiving the officials of a Non Governmental Organisation, the Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI) and the Ganaja Potable Water Working Group.

The Commissioner said the administration remained committed to improving water infrastructure across the state, explaining that the Ministry’s recent visit to Osara was equally a deliberate effort to ensure the functionality of all the regional water schemes.

According to him, consultants have resumed work on the Lokoja Greater Water Works, noting that plans were underway to expand the Greater Lokoja Water Supply Scheme to serve Ganaja and neighboring communities.

Engineer Farouk said government was desirous of effective and efficient water flow in view of the popular saying that water is life, hence efforts will not be spared at realizing the best for the citizens of the state.

He also pledged to personally fund a solar-powered borehole for the Ganaja community before the end of October as a further demonstration of his commitment to responsiveness in office.

“We are working on immediate steps to ensure that the Ganaja water plant starts production before the end of this year. You will see practical results before December thirty first,” the consultants have resumed work on the project while plans are underway to expand the Greater Lokoja Water Supply Scheme to serve Ganaja and neighboring communities”, the Commissioner remarked.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, described the visit as the second phase of the Ganaja Charter of Demands advocacy project.

She commended the Ministry’s efforts at improving water supply across the state, commending government’s progress on road rehabilitation and healthcare, but appealed for sustained action towards providing safe and clean water for Ganaja residents.

The Chairman of the Potable Water Working Group, Abubakar Mogaji Muhammed, presented the Ganaja’s Potable Water Advocacy Position, calling for provision of solar-powered or motorized boreholes, adequate funding for water projects, and timely implementation of government plans.

In another department, the Commissioner has promised inclusion of women in all political activities.

Engineer Farouk who made the promise while receiving a women’s political group, the Lokoja United Ladies Group, said the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to women and youth development.

Leader of the group, Mariam Abbas Elukpo earlier in her speech, stated that the group was desirous of inclusiveness, expressing optimism that as a political leader, the Commissioner should use his office to promote the group’s activities as well as give them a sense of belonging.