The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing the water sector, with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun prioritizing the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure across the state. This was highlighted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, during an infrastructural assessment tour covering Remo, Odogbolu, and surrounding areas.
Hon. Otubanjo emphasized that addressing critical water management challenges, replacing outdated infrastructure, and overcoming funding and logistical constraints are central to the government’s agenda. She expressed optimism that the administration’s renewed focus on the water sector would resolve longstanding issues and significantly improve water supply to residents.
“Many of our water infrastructure facilities are not functioning optimally, and there are concerns regarding the inadequate utilization of available funding. This is a major challenge, and there is a lot of work to be done. We must act swiftly to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure to provide clean and potable water to the people of Ogun State,” she stated.
Hon. Otubanjo called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to support efforts aimed at expanding water supply to more communities, underscoring that access to clean water is a fundamental necessity that requires urgent attention. “I am confident that this administration, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that residents have regular access to clean and potable water,” she added.
She further assured the public that with a dedicated team of experts working alongside her, the state should expect significant improvements in water service delivery. The team remains committed to identifying and resolving challenges within the sector to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Also speaking during the tour, Consultant to the Governor on Water, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, reassured residents of an improved and more efficient water supply system. She noted that the facility assessment focused not only on current infrastructure but also on aging equipment that requires rehabilitation.
The inspection covered several water schemes, including the Ogere Water Surface Scheme, servicing Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan, Irolu, Ipara, and the Iperu Borstal Institution; Akaka Mini Scheme covering Akaka and Ilara; Ilisan Borehole Scheme; Ikene Borehole Scheme; Odogbolu Reservoir; Ayepe-Ijebu Reservoir; and the Sagamu Scheme.
Hon. Otubanjo also stressed the importance of local government collaboration in addressing the water sector’s challenges. She urged local government authorities to take a more proactive role, emphasizing that stronger partnerships with the state government are essential to tackling aging infrastructure, improving maintenance, and enhancing water accessibility for residents.
“Local governments must become active collaborators in progress. These water schemes are situated in their jurisdictions, and they need to take ownership of infrastructure maintenance. Beyond state, federal, or donor-funded interventions, local governments must ensure sustained operations and accountability in the sector,” she noted.
As part of efforts to localize the SDGs, Hon. Otubanjo announced that the state would establish SDG Desk Officers across all 20 local governments. These officers will facilitate partnerships on targeted SDG intervention projects and programs, ensuring that developmental goals are achieved at the grassroots level.
She concluded by stressing the need for effective utilization of allocated funds for rehabilitating aging pipelines and water networks. According to her, local government leadership and their teams must play active roles in monitoring projects to ensure transparency, accountability, and the delivery of quality services to the people of Ogun State.
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