By joshua 
Kogi Govt. Explores Flood-Resistant Tech to Revamp Greater Lokoja Water Works – Water Resources Commissioner
The Kogi State Government says it is considering all options, including new technology, to ensure flood-resistant machines that will be installed towards the revitalization of the Greater Lokoja Water Works.
This move according to the Kogi State Commissioner For Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk, aims to revitalize the Greater Lokoja water works towards providing unhindered portable water to residents, particularly those in Ganaja Community and other areas in the metropolis.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, made the disclosure when he received in audience a delegation from Challenge Parenthood Initiative, working in collaboration with Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) and Arctic Infrastructure (AI), while on an advocacy visit on the Ganaja Charter of Demand.
The Ganaja Charter of Demand reflects the collective priorities identified through extensive consultation, technical assessment and multi Stakeholders workshop. This prioritize highlights urgent needs to be addressed to reduce the community’s exposure to flooding and strengthen long term safety, mobility and livelihood.
The Commissioner assured that the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo is taking a holistic approach towards revitalization of the Greater Lokoja water works and provide water to all parts of the state.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that work on the Greater Lokoja Water Works will commence soon, also disclosed if plans in the interim to sink boreholes in some areas of Ganaja Community to alleviate the water challenge faced by the people.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Eunice Agbogun, Executive Director Challenge Parenthood Initiative, said Ganaja Community is situated along the River Niger, serving as both residential and economic hub, lamented that it proximity to the River Niger exposes it to recurring flood events that continues to devastate livelihood, housing and infrastructure.
She attributed the combination of low laying terrain, limited drainage systems and unregistered development patterns has intensified flood risks and weakened community resilience.
The Executive Director lamented the provision of portable water, dredging and construction of additional dams as priority to the Ganaja Community as contained in their charter of demand.
Speaking at the visit, Adedeji Adegoke, Project officer, Arctic Infrastructure, lamented the impact of flooding on the Ganaja Community, assured of technical and other support that would lead to flood resilience in the areas of infrastructure and other needs of the people during flooding.
In their separate presentation, Abubakar Mohammed, Chairman working group, Provision of potable water, called on the State Government to prioritize the provision of water, pointing out that during flooding, the provision of portable water to residents is hindered, called for the resuscitation of the Greater Lokoja Water Works.
Similarly, Yakubu Suleiman, Chairman dredging Group called for the dredging and construction of dams to serve as buffer during flooding and to further reduce the impact of the flood on the community.