Idanre solar powered boreholes commissioned
By Mary Agidi
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Following the declaration of a state of emergency on water by President Muhammad Buhari last year, the Federal government through the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority has commissioned two deep boreholes, fitted with solar powered pumps in Idanre land at the weekend.
The facility, which was the first phase of the programme was executed at Alade-Idanre and comprises 50,000 litres capacity overhead tank, five fetching bays with each bay fitted with five taps to be able to serve as many people as possible simultaneously, and a mini treatment plant.
The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Saliu Osifuemhe explained that the decision to make potable water available for Idanre community was borne out of the knowledge that the land once enjoyed pipe borne water from the old Owena dam.
Osifuemhe however noted that the agency will maintain the project for six months and handover its security and maintenance to the state government and the community, adding that additional five bays would be constructed in order to bring potable water closer to hundreds of Idanre households.
The Alade-Okun of Alade Idanre, Oba Olusegun Ayodele appreciated the gesture and assured that the facility would be well utilised and guided.
He also thanked Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the laudable projects executed in the community and solicited for more.
Earlier, the state governor, represented by the All Progressives Congress, Chairman in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin, said the water project would add more value to the community by reducing the outbreak of water-related diseases.
He noted that within the next four months, another water project would be commissioned in Idanre courtesy of the Federal Government in partnership with the state government.
Adetimehin on his part, being the son of the soil, described his community as very lucky in terms of the presence of government, while assuring the people of more government’s support.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Owa of Idanre land, Oba Frederick Aroloye , Oba Gilbert Ogunlowo, the Aduraja 1, Caretaker Chairman of Idanre local government, Mr. Adebiyi Ayanuola, and traditional chiefs.
