By joshua LOKOJA GREATER WATER WORKS TO BEGIN OPERATIONS BEFORE YEAR END, SAYS WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER
The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving potable water supply in Lokoja metropolis and its environs, with a promise that the Lokoja Greater Water Works will begin operations before the end of the year.
Engr. Yahaya gave the assurance on Thursday in his office while receiving officials of the Challenged Parenthood Initiative, CPI, and the Ganaja Potable Water Working Group.
The Commissioner said the Ododo-led administration remains focused on upgrading water infrastructure across the state. He noted that a recent visit by the Ministry to Osara was part of deliberate efforts to ensure the functionality of all regional water schemes.
According to him, consultants have resumed work on the Lokoja Greater Water Works, and plans are already underway to expand the Greater Lokoja Water Supply Scheme to cover Ganaja and neighboring communities.
“Water is life, and we are desirous of effective and efficient water flow for our people. No effort will be spared to ensure citizens get the best,” the Commissioner said.
To provide immediate relief, Engr. Yahaya pledged to personally fund a solar-powered borehole for the Ganaja community before the end of October.
He added: “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 31st.”
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 and applauded government’s progress on road rehabilitation and healthcare, while appealing for sustained action to provide safe and clean water for Ganaja residents.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Potable Water Working Group, Abubakar Mogaji Muhammed, presented the group’s advocacy position. He called for the provision of solar-powered and motorized boreholes, adequate funding for water projects, and timely implementation of government plans.
In a separate engagement, Engr. Yahaya received members of the Lokoja United Ladies Group and promised the inclusion of women in all political activities of the administration.
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s government remains committed to women and youth development, and pledged to use his office to promote the group’s activities and ensure they have a sense of belonging.
The leader of the group, Mariam Abbas Elukpo, said the group is seeking greater inclusion, expressed optimism that the Commissioner would serve as a voice for women in governance.