By joshua GANAJA VILLAGE ADVOCACY WORKING GROUP ON PORTABLE WATER ADVOCATES RESUSCITATION OF GREATER LOKOJA WATERWORKS, ALTERNATIVE BOREHOLES TO PROVIDE PORTABLE WATER DURING FLOOD
The Ganaja Village Advocacy Working Group has called on the Kogi State Government to urgently resuscitate the Greater Lokoja Waterworks and provide alternative boreholes across flood-prone communities to ensure access to portable drinking water.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by officials of the Challenged Parenthood Initiative, CPI, and the Ganaja Potable Water Working Group on Portable Water to the Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, in Lokoja.
The visit was supported by project funders, Heinrich Böll Stiftung and Arctic Infrastructure, as part of the second phase of the Ganaja Charter of Demands advocacy project.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, said residents of Ganaja and other riverine areas suffer acute shortage of portable drinking water during flooding, which exposes families to water-borne diseases.
She stressed that the only lasting solution is the full revitalization of the Greater Lokoja Water Works, while alternative water points such as solar-powered and motorized boreholes should be provided in different locations across the metropolis for immediate relief.
“The people of Ganaja and adjoining communities deserve clean, safe and accessible water. During floods, the suffering is worse because most alternative sources get contaminated. We are here to appeal for urgent action,” Ms. Agbogun said.
She commended the Ododo-led administration for ongoing efforts in road rehabilitation and healthcare, and applauded the Ministry of Water Resources for its commitment to improving water supply across the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Potable Water Working Group, Abubakar Mogaji Muhammed, presented the group’s advocacy position. He called for adequate funding for water projects, timely implementation of government plans, and the provision of solar-powered and motorized boreholes in strategic locations to complement the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme.
The groups praised Engr. Farouk Yahaya for his responsiveness and dedication to the water sector, describing him as a Commissioner who listens and acts in the interest of the people.
Responding, Engr. Yahaya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving potable water supply in Lokoja metropolis and its environs. He assured that the Lokoja Greater Water Works will begin operations before the end of the year.
The Commissioner said 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.”
The Commissioner thanked Heinrich Böll Stiftung and Arctic Infrastructure for supporting advocacy that puts the people’s needs at the center of governance.