ONDO STATE LAUNCH URBAN WATER SUPPLY.
The Ondo State Government, Arakunrin, Oluwarotimi Odunayo AKEREDOLU,- SAN, has launched the Ondo State urban water supply and sanitation project for the benefit of the people of the state and it’s envinrons . The programme, which was officially lunched today at the International Culture and Event Centre-The Dome , in Akure . The programme was well attended by the good people of Ondo State.
The project was supported by the African Development Bank( AFDB) and Agence Franchise de Development (AFD) . The purpose of the project is to ensure that the people of the state have access to a portable water and also increased the level of the sanitation and hygiene of the people.
In the words of Mr Labi Baro- Director of the African Development Bank, said he appreciated the effort of the Mr Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo AKEREDOLU,SAN for deem it fit for the establishment and development of the water infrastructure in the state. He said 30% of the people don’t have access to portable water in Ondo State. The project ,according to Mr Labi, got about 104.2 millions Dollars. The AFDB Director said the project would helped people of the Ondo State solved her water problem. The project is expected to benefit the people of Ondo State Communities particularly, the Ile- Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Abusoro, Idanre and others parts of the state would be given attention for the rehabilitation of the water project facilities in their area for the purpose of having a twenty hours water supply.
He also talked about the construction of the feeder roads and provision of the electricity for the powering of the water project in the state. He implored the Traditional leaders in the state to always continued to orientates their subjects for the maintenance of the government projects or facilities located in their domains. He believes that the Traditional Rulers are agents of change, hence the need for their roles in ensuring that their subjects protect the government projects in their locality. He also said the project when completed would attract the foreign investors to the state thereby boost the revenue generation of the state.
In response, Governor Akeredolu-SAN said there was no place in the state where there is portable water running for twenty four hours at all. As they too are using Borehole in the government Lodge. The Governor said the government would make it’s effort to make the things done. He digressed a little bit by saying that come next year in the first quarter of 2023, there would be electricity light in the Southern part of the Ondo State.
Although, the governor said the water project was not free as the state had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU ) with the AFD and AFD for the loans in order to financed the project. He said the water project in the state , (Owena Dam) is the largest dam in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for water Resource, public sanitation and hygiene , Hon. Fatai Olotu commended the effects of Mr Governor for modernized the water project established by his predecessor’s . He also commended the present administration for the renovation of the Ondo State House of Assembly complex compared to what it uses to be when he was serving as lawmaker while in the Assembly. While welcoming the people for gracing the occasion, Hon. Olotu said he was delighted about the effort made by this present government for the establishment of the water project for the people of the state in order for them to have access to a portable water supply across the nook and crany of the state.
He also thanked the Mr Governor, for the project. According to him, the project would helped facilitated the attainment of sustainable development goal-SDG. He said the project would equally be sustained in line with the government programme agenda of “Redeemed”. He also said the water project would boost the faming activities and the agricultural sector and the Economic activities of the state.
Mr Governor, appreciates Mr Labi Baro for his coming and for sustaining interest in Ondo State . He appreciated Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina (The President of the AFDB) in absential and also thanked everyone that came to the programme and thereafter, he flagged off the project.
Highlight of the programme include Cultural entertainment by the Ondo State Cultural troops.
The programme was highly attended by the top government functionaries, among whom were The SSG, Barrister , Princess Oladunni Odu, Rt Hon. Samuel Aderoboye, Ondo State Deputy Speaker, representing the Hon Speaker, Oloyelogun. Mr Sunday Akinwalere, Mr Boye Ologbese, Chief Mrs Bamidele Olateju, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Mr Dare Aragbaye, Dr. (Mrs)Wunmi Ilawole.
Others are Mr Prince Ajose Ikudehinbu, Rt Rev Victor Olajide Bada( The Lord Bishop of Akoko Diocese) HRM. Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi ( The Deji of Akure), HRM, Oluwadare Agunbiade, the Oloba of Oba Ile,, elder Festus Adeleke, Rt Hon Dare Emiola Francis and Hon Fatai Olotu-Commisioner for water Resource, Public Sanitation and Hygiene and host of others.
