The Oyo State House of Assembly has declared a state of emergency on water projects in the State, as the lawmakers summon contractors, officials of the water corporation.
The State lawmakers made this decision on Tuesday after the house received a comprehensive report from the Ad-hoc committee on water resources that embarked on oversight visits to water projects across the State.
According to the report presented by the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abdullah Abdulrasak representing Ibadan South East 1, the Oyo State Government led by the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi embarked on about 20 water projects at accumulative cost of over N10 billion but none is completed till date.
Abdullah led committee noted that Ayete Water Scheme in Ibarapa North local government which was awarded in April, 2019 at N399.5million, the contractor has received N119.8million disbursement, while the contract is presently at just 6percent level, the contractor has vacated the site.
The committee further listed the expansion of Ogbomoso/Ikoyi-ile water supply scheme awared on the 9th March, 2019 at N578.2million, N228.6million paid to the contractor; Laying of New Rising Mains to Igbo-Ora (Lot 1) awarded at N158million, N47.4million received by FETUNS Constructional Company Limited and others in Eruwa, Oyo, Saki, Sanusi mini water supply scheme, Owode estate mini water supply, Ogboro, Iseyinn Water works, Alabata and Pade where Roosco Resources Nigeria Limited received N271.8million.
Lamenting the state of water supply in Oyo State, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin described the way the last administration handled water situation as irresponsible.
According to Ogundoyin, the Ajimobi led government mismanaged the State’s limited resources especially in the water supply sector and unfortunately no one is taking responsible.
He said, “Why will a government embark on about 20 projects and you cannot complete just one of them.
“Why not work on five instead and complete it. Now, most equipment bought with billions of Naira are rotting away somewhere in the bush or buildings under construction.
“I visited Eruwa water works where N97.6million was awarded during my town hall meeting last year, but I only see generating set and decaying facilities.
“Our people do not enjoy water supply. We are declaring a State of emergency in the water sector, because this situation is pathetic. We want the water corporation agency to be more responsible and ensuring lot is done to complete some of these projects during the tenure.
In his words, Honourable representing Oyo East, Hon. Ashimiru Alarape commend the report while describing it as very revealing.
