Minister Assures Aregbesola On Water Projects

OSUN State governor, Rauf Aregbesola has solicited the support of the Federal Government in the completion of abandoned water project in the state, to boost potable water supply to the people.
The Governor,who made the appeal yesterday in Abuja, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources, specifically cited the Ife Dam project,currently yearning for completion.
He commended the Federal Government for releasing funds towards the completion of Ilesha dam,which has now relieved the people that had being without potable water in the past 50 years.
“I am quite impressed with what you people have done in Osun State and I find it necessary to come here to express my profound gratitude to the Federal Government especially in the construction of Ilesha water project”, he emphasised.
The Governor admitted that the state does not have adequate fund to complete some of the abandoned projects and therefore called for further support in constructing treatment plants, while the state government would reticulate and distribute the water to the people.
The Governor said that the state needs irrigation for all season farming and pleaded for more Federal Government’s support in this regard.
Responding, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe,said that the ongoing projects of the Ministry in Osun State and other states of the federation are as a result of President Jonathan’s commitment to complete all abandoned projects across the country that could be of benefit to the people.
Ochekpe further reiterated Federal Government’s desire for stronger partnership with state government for service to be delivered to the people of Nigeria.
According to her, the responsibility of the ministry is to provide fresh bulk water while the provision of treatment plants and water reticulation is vested on the state.
She added that President Jonathan is committed to the agricultural transformation of the country through irrigation and water supply projects for food security.
“ Since it is obvious that rain fed agriculture alone cannot guarantee food security to the nation, a lot is being done to support irrigation projects all over the country and Osun State will not be left out”, he added.
THE GUARDIAN