Kogi State government says a whooping N100 billion is required to fully rehabilitate and modernize the Greater Lokoja Water Project which was completed at a cost of N18 billion in 2010.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk disclosed this during an exclusive interview with Lugard TV in Lokoja.
Farouk disclosed that the present administration has conducted a comprehensive facility audit of the entire water supply infrastructure and discovered that a complete overhaul is required.
“For the long term, we are looking at redesigning the entire system, from intake to distribution.
“That’s where the ₦100 billion estimate comes in.
“We need to replace pipelines, build new treatment plants, and establish independent power systems to ensure reliability,” he said.
The Commissioner said the planned overhaul will involve the relocation of the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme to a more suitable location.
This and others he said will cost over ₦100 billion according estimates received from contractors who have been contacted by his ministry.
According to Farouk, discussions are ongoing between the state government and international development partners as well as local partners to secure the required funding for the overhaul water project.
He said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo inherited a water system that was seriously challenged due to damages by flood waters and had to act swiftly to restore supply, particularly to hospitals, schools, and other critical service areas.
In the interim, he said water has started flowing in some parts of Lokoja under emergency interventions at old waterworks in Kpata area of the state capital.
Farouk, however, said : “The old waterworks is outdated.
“What we are using is a 1956 structure that was slightly improved in 1992.
“The pipes are worn out, the treatment facilities are obsolete, and the capacity no longer meets the demands of the growing population,” he stated.
He explained that the original design capacity of the old Lokoja water works was 750,000 liters per day to serve a population of about 200,000 residents then.
He added that the estimated population of Lokoja is now 1.2 million, thereby rendering the existing water infrastructure largely incapable of meeting the city’s growing water needs.
Farouk promised assured that the government will continue to prioritize critical social amenities like water supply and expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s commitment to resolving challenges of water supply in the state capital and other parts of the state.
The Commissioner then called on residents to remain patient as the government intensifies efforts to deliver a sustainable solution to water supply shortages in the state. (vitalnewsngr.com)
