Kogi lawmakers pass vote of confidence on commissioner

By Maxwell Nwafor,

The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, has passed a vote of confidence on the activities of the Ministry of Water Resources for it overall commitment to meeting with the provision of portable water to the people of the State.

This is as the Commissioner, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk assures that water would in the next few days begin to flow across taps in the State Capital and in other parts of the State.

The Assembly House Committee Members gave the verdict after it visit on an oversight function to the Ministry as well as after inspection of the turnaround work carried out on the old Lokoja Water works.

In his summation of the Members views after the visit, the Chairman House Committee of Water Resources led by Hon Tijani Ebaya, expressed satisfaction with the activities of the Ministry.

He assured of the support of the Committee in synergizing with the Ministry in meeting with the budgetary provision and other support for the Ministry.

The Committee Chairman described the Ministry of Water Resources as one of the performing Ministries working to meet with the vision of the present administration, said it underscores the importance the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo places in the provision of portable water to the people.

He described Gov. Ododo as one that is resolved and committed to ensuring that the water sector is functional, appreciated the patience and understanding of the citizens of the State while efforts is ongoing to fix the water challenges faced by the State.

He described the Assembly as a worthy partner in progress, called for Executive and Legislature relationship, through working synergy that will meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

The Chairman urged for the input of the Assembly Members in the forthcoming 2025 budget of the Ministry, described the Commissioner as a round peg in a round hole, pointing out that he has justified the confidence reposed on him by the Governor in his appointment.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner said the devastating effect of the 2022 flood that ravaged the State damaged the Greater Lokoja water Works.

While the State he noted would require a sum of about N40b to rebuild another facility as an option from it current location, he added that another option of relocating the sensitive electromagnetic equipments above Water level also requires huge outlay, reasons the State Government south to fix the old Lokoja Water Works.

The Old Lokoja Water Works, Engr. Farouk explained had been abandoned since the advent of Greater Lokoja Water Works that began operations in 2009, however expressed optimism that with the works at over 90% completion, water would soon begin to flow in the State capital.

The Commissioner assured the committee soon as the disinfection, fumigation and washing of the water tanks are completed, water supply will begin within the next few days.

The Commissioner added that the Ministry has evaluated 23 Water facilities across the State, including 18 Bye Water schemes in the West and Central Senatorial Districts built during the Second Republic and under Military era in the State, with the view to putting them into use for the benefit of the people.

Engr. Farouk explained that the State Government has also keyed into the SPIN Project for support by the World Bank, said the initiative aimed at developing existing Federal Dams for Agriculture purposes and in line with Gov. Ododo’s Commitment to increased food production and security.

The Commissioner listed the major challenges of the Ministry to include shortage of manpower as well as lack of protection of water facilities by the Communities in the State, solicited the support of the House Committee for increased budgetary provision.

While he called for the cooperation from all stakeholders in the State to the protection of water facilities in their communities, Engr. Farouk solicited the support of the Committee on the passage of the draft irrigation water bill that would soon be presented for the Assembly’s approval.

The Commissioner also spoke on the ambitious plan of the State Government to provide rural water to rural areas through the Sustainable Water, Supply and hygiene Project, thanked the Committee for all the support enjoyed by the Ministry thus far.

Highlights of the oversight function was the visit to the Old Lokoja Water Works that has undergone a turnaround.