The federal government Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to provide clean and safe drinking water to citizens with the launch of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project in Benue state.
Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev, stated that the project is a critical initiative aimed at improving the lives of approximately 506,000 residents in Buruku, Gboko, and surrounding areas.
The project, valued at N18, 893, 279, 411.42, involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing water works at Ameladu, Mkar, and Buruku Water Supply Scheme.
Water will be extracted from the Katsina-Ala River, treated and distributed to Gboko/Mkar communities and neighboring areas.
Prof. Utsev said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to meet national and international targets for access to clean water, job creation, economic growth, and improved quality of life. He said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, commended the project’s resuscitation, which had been abandoned for decades.