By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to providing legislative backing to the State Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene in ensuring a portable and accessible water supply for the people of the State.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, Murtala Suleiman, made this remark when he led other members on an oversight visit to the State Water Corporation, Akure.

The Committee also visited the State Water Corporations in Owena Igbara-Oke and Owena/Ondo.

At both Water Corporations, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Murtala Suleiman, observed that the water treatment plants, which were built over 40 years ago under the military administration of Brigadier Robert Adebayo, are moribund and need rehabilitation.

He stated that the adequate provision of water supply is key to sustaining a hygienic environment, noting that the legislature will not rest on its laurels in supporting the government to achieve its goals.

He appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his passion for improving the wellbeing of the people, as well as for partnering with the African Development Bank for the provision of portable water.

Other members of the Committee who spoke lauded the proactive steps taken towards providing clean and accessible water, and they appealed to the Corporation to come up with more initiatives aimed at providing water to their respective constituencies.

Earlier, the General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation, Remigius Ogunjobi, thanked the Committee for their support, noting that the Agency’s mandate is to provide portable water and rehabilitate non-functional dams and boreholes in the State.

Ogunjobi said the State is partnering with the African Development Bank for enhanced water supply.

He added that the sinking and renovation of boreholes are ongoing across communities, and that some quick-win projects have also been completed.