State showcases progress as new waterworks are completed, others near commissioning
The Kwara State Government has stepped up its drive to ensure clean and sustainable water access across the state, with several key water projects completed and more nearing commissioning.
According to a statement made available by the Press Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources, Adamu M. Saidu, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, disclosed these developments during the Quarter 3 Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
Lade highlighted significant achievements recorded under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, including the completion and commissioning of the Zambufu, Otte/Budo-Egba, and Omu-Aran Waterworks, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation of the Oyun Waterworks, which is expected to resume full operation soon.
In addition to water infrastructure development, the Commissioner revealed that Oke-Ero Local Government Area has been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the National Council on Sanitation and Task Group (NSTG), Abuja, earning Kwara State recognition from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for its efforts toward improved hygiene and sanitation.
To further consolidate these gains, the AbdulRazaq-led administration has constructed public toilets in Balogun Alanamu, Eruda, and Ajikobi communities within the Ilorin metropolis, while similar facilities are planned for other local government areas.
Hon. Lade also disclosed that the state has paid a N700 million counterpart fund under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, designed to enhance both water and food security in Kwara. A needs assessment for project locations has already been completed, he added.
Meanwhile, several solar-powered and hand-pump boreholes are under construction across the three senatorial districts, alongside pipe repair and extension works within Ilorin metropolis. The Ministry, through RUWASSA, has also drilled a solar-powered borehole at the Ministry of Livestock and completed the first phase of renovations at the Kwara State Water Corporation (KWWC) headquarters on Zulu Gambari Road, Ilorin.
Lade noted that the government is also exploring alternative power solutions to sustain water production and distribution more efficiently.
Kwara is currently hosting General Managers and representatives from Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies across the North Central Zone for a strategic meeting aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving sanitation standards in the region.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to sustainable water management, food security, and public health, describing these as critical pillars of the AbdulRazaq administration’s development agenda.
