FG Constructs, Rehabilitates 6,700 Water Schemes Nationwide In Two Years

Chibuzor Emejor

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced that it has constructed as well as rehabilitated over 6,700 water schemes across the country in the last two years of the present administration.

Professor Joseph Utsev,Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated this at the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Abuja.

Utsev revealed through the provision of these water schemes that safe drinking water has been delivered to over 32 million Nigerians.

The minister, who enumerated some of the water shemes completed which include Ugbema, Boko/Buruku, and Wannune in Benue; Greater Dutse in Jigawa; Gombe Regional Water Project; Farin Ruwa in Nasarawa; ATBU in Bauchi; Biu in Borno; Gashua and Damaturu in Yobe; Ota in Ogun; and Zungeru–Wushishi in Niger State, add that they stand as proof of “our dedication to service delivery.”

Reeling out some of the achievements, he said: “In rural communities, we successfully implemented numerous rural water supply projects, enhancing access to clean water for over 2,000,000 beneficiaries across various states.

“For the period under review, we have constructed about 500 new water supply projects consisting the provision of Solar Powered Boreholes, Storage Water Facilities, Reticulations and Fetching points nationwide.”

On sanitation, the Minister said under Clean Nigeria Campaign, that 5,238 public sanitation facilities were constructed nationwide.

He added that so far, 162 Local Government Areas have been certified Open Defecation Free.

To ensure that water bodies are protected from contamination, he disclosed that two National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia were recently completed to enhance water-quality monitoring.

According to him, “Through the SURWASH and PEWASH Programmes, supported by UNICEF, the World Bank, and other partners, we are delivering sustainable WASH services to millions across 17 States and the FCT.”

Speaking about dam development and hydropower concessioning, the Minister explained that through the Department of Dams and Reservoir Operations, that great strides have been made in strengthening Nigeria’s water infrastructure.

He said: “The Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam—one of our nation’s flagship projects—is now fully completed, with its forty-megawatt hydropower facilities supplying power to the national grid and airstrip already commissioned.

“Work is currently advancing on the water supply and treatment components that will soon provide clean and reliable water to millions of Nigerians across Taraba State and neighbouring communities.

“Together with the Gurara and Dadin Kowa Dams, these projects now generate a combined 110 megawatts of renewable energy, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s power mix and our commitment to clean energy transition.

“Beyond Kashimbilla, several other projects are advancing strongly — Mangu Dam in Plateau State has reached 90 per cent completion; Adada Dam in Enugu State stands at 78 per cent; Ogbesse Multipurpose Dam in Ekiti State has achieved 65 per cent; and the Farin Ruwa Dam in Nasarawa State continues to record steady progress.

“We are equally proud of the work on Alau Dam in Borno State, which is enhancing flood control and securing potable water for the people of Maiduguri.

“We have also completed or advanced several smaller dams including Irawo Earth Dam in Oyo, Otukpo Multipurpose Dam in Benue, Amla Otukpo Dam, Alajue Dam, and rehabilitation works on Tiga, Challawa Gorge, and Ruwan Kanya Reservoirs.

“Through our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, the Ministry has successfully concessioned two major brownfield assets: the 40-megawatt Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant and the Kashimbilla Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport.

“Both were concluded in full compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act of 2005, generating over ₦7 billion in commencement fees for the Federal Government.

“We are finalising concession agreements for new hydropower projects — Farin Ruwa, Katsina-Ala, Dasin Hausa, Manya, and Bawaku — as well as the Azara–Jere Irrigation Scheme, which marks a historic step in bringing private-sector efficiency into agricultural water management.”

Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong,Permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said the Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement was convened in furtherance of the directive of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to strengthen accountability, enhance transparency, and deepen stakeholder inclusion in the implementation of government policies and programmes across all sectors, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

Umobong, pointed out that water and sanitation sector remains central to public health, economic development, food security, environmental sustainability, and overall national well-being, adding that
“It is imperative that the Ministry continues to interact closely with its stakeholders to obtain feedback, share information, and strengthen mutual understanding in order to improve service delivery to the citizenry.”

Speaking further on the essence of event, the Permanent Secretary said, “This forum provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue on sectoral performance, emerging challenges, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

“The Ministry attaches great importance to the contributions of all stakeholders, and the outcomes of today’s deliberations will be carefully considered in strengthening ongoing reforms, refining policies, and enhancing programme implementation.”

End.