…..Says initiative will stand as symbol of Ondo’s economic rebirth
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday described the African Development Fund (ADF) and African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported water supply projects at Owena Dam, Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, as a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards economic revival.
The governor, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the project heralds the realisation of a long-delayed ambition to provide residents across the state with clean, safe and sustainable water..
He observed that for many years, access to potable water had remained one of the state’s greatest challenges, emphasising that the stalled Owena Multipurpose Dam Water Treatment Plant served as a stark reminder of opportunities missed and dreams deferred.
“Yet, even in those challenging years, our determination never faltered. Through perseverance, collaboration and faith, we have rekindled that long-held dream,” he said.
“I am proud to announce that through the invaluable support of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the African Development Bank (AFDB), we are embarking on a new journey that will redefine the water supply landscape of our State.
“The AFD-assisted Urban Water Supply Project will breathe life back into the Owena Water Treatment Plant. It will deliver new transmission mains from Owena to Akure, build modern Water reservoirs with a capacity of 7,500m³ and expand the water distribution network across our capital city. This project will ensure that taps that have run dry for too long will flow again, with reliability, with purity and with dignity.
“The AFDB-assisted project will extend this impact even further by strengthening sanitation systems and expanding water coverage across seven Local Government Areas of Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Ondo East and Ondo West. This is a commitment to equity and inclusion. No community is left behind”.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the Owena Multipurpose Dam will not only provide potable water but will serve as a hub for irrigation, fishery development, renewable energy, and tourism.
“Today, we are launching the distribution of Water Quality Testing Kits, a proactive step to empower our citizens to take control of their health and well-being. With these kits, individuals, households and communities can test for bacteria, acidity, turbidity, hardness, nitrates and other essential parameters. This initiative ensures that every resident, not just those connected to major pipelines, can assess the safety of their water, including sachet and bottled water consumed within the State”.
He revealed that his administration has approved the procurement of Water Treatment Tablets, which will be distributed free of charge, noting that these tablets will provide immediate relief to households with unsafe water sources, reducing the risks of cholera, typhoid and other water-borne diseases. “Clean water is a fundamental right and today, we bring that right closer to every home.
“In our pursuit of food security, we are also flagging-off Mobile Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps, to be given to farmers at no cost. These pumps will empower our farmers, increase productivity, reduce dependency on rainfall and strengthen our food supply systems. With this, agriculture in Ondo State will become smarter, stronger and more resilient. These projects, taken together, represent one of the most comprehensive water and agricultural modernisation efforts in the annals of our State. They will form the backbone of a Water supply and food security system that will uplift communities, create jobs, improve health and open doors to prosperity”.
The Governor appreciated AFD, AFDB, AGTF and the Federal Government, for their trust, commitment and unwavering support. “Your partnership is saving lives, empowering families and shaping a brighter future. It is also pertinent to remind our contractors and implementing teams, to see this project as a sacred responsibility. Let us endeavour to ensure it is delivered with integrity, sense of urgency and excellence.
“It is our expectations that these projects, when completed would form the backbone of a modern, efficient and sustainable water supply system for our people.
“As we break the ground today, we can happily declare together that the days of scarcity of wholesome water are gone and the days of abundance have come. We are glad that water will flow again in Akure and its environs and with it will flow life, health, dignity and prosperity. Let me assure you that our administration will continue to prioritise access to potable water in both urban and rural areas. We will keep strengthening the institutions and partnership that ensure sustainability and service delivery in the water sector while ensuring that no other sector is left unattended”, he concluded.
