Ondo State Residents Lack Potable Water Despite Government's N3bn Investment In Water Schemes

Ondo State Residents Lack Potable Water Despite Government's N3bn Investment In Water Schemes

Speaking on “World Water Day," Mr. Mimiko asserted that his government has invested billions of naira into the State's water system since the beginning of his administration in February 2009. The governor, represented by his chief of staff, Kola Ademujimi, added that another N1bn had been spent on installing solar-powered borehole water systems throughout the State.

"We have spent this amount of money to rehabilitate and renovate the Awara dam scheme, the Ifon water scheme, and the Acro spring water supply, among other projects," Mr. Adekujimi said.

He also mentioned the N4.3bn Ilaje water scheme, which was supposed to supply the coastal residents with potable water.

A SaharaReporters correspondent observed that despite these claims by the government, many residents still do not have access to clean drinking water.

"The project cannot see any light of day. It's a pipe dream fashioned to win the hearts of the very abandoned residents of the coast by the government of Mimiko," resident Imoleayo Akinfenwa told SaharaReporters.

Due to the lack of drinkable water in the State, the Ondo State Water Corporation has reportedly been selling residents kegs of water for N20 to N50 throughout Akure.

According to Sola Ogunleye, an environmental activist, the provision of clean water has been a huge challenge for Mr. Mimiko and his government since he took office.

"The government of Governor Olusegun Mimiko has no plans for the provision of potable water for the people of Ondo State. The Owena water dam had been abandoned for a very long time by this same administration since it came to power, and all efforts to revive it have been rejected by the governor."