Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola, has commended the federal government for its efforts towards providing sufficient and safe drinking water for the people in the region, particularly Ilesha town.
Aregbesola made the commendation when the minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, who was accompanied by the ministry’s technical officials during an inspection tour of the Ilesha Dam.
The governor also expressed his appreciation to the minister for her unusual interest in the welfare of the people of the state, explaining that the suffering of the people who searched for potable water would be alleviated as soon as the project gets completed.
He noted that while being mindful of the shared responsibility of the three tiers of government in the provision of potable water to the people, he is conscious of the need for more assistance in the reticulation of water from the dam to ensure perfect completion of the project because of the limited funds from the state.
The Governor stressed the need to continue with the second and third phases of the project towards ensuring the realisation of the ultimate objectives of the huge investment.
He stated that the State Government on its part would complement the federal government’s efforts and will require support in the treatment of the water as well as its reticulation for public consumption.
He reiterated government’s support and solicited for further partnership from the federal government on more of such projects in the State.
Ochekpe averred that the President’s intention to get all projects completed did inspire the revisit to the dam which was beneficial to the people.
She said the President was earnestly embarking on projects which would improve the living standard of the people.
The minister said the federal government would partner with the Osun state government towards full utilisation of the dam.
She called on the state government to ensure that the water was well treated and reticulated before distribution to the community during the second and third phases of the project.
“We believe that after completing the first phase of the project, the FG will continually work with the State Government, in order to make potable water available to the people,” she said.
