The end of water supply challenges is now in sight for residents of Lokoja Metropolis as the Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to improve potable water supply through strategic upgrades and rehabilitation of key roads water supply infrastructure that has raised daily water supply from 1 million to 2 million liters in the state capital.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Faruk Yahaya stated this when he led a monitoring exercise to assess the distribution and efficiency of the upgraded Old Lokoja Waterworks and supply channels in parts of Lokoja metropolis on Sunday.
The monitoring exercise took place in key Lokoja metropolitan areas, including the Army Barracks, Kogi State Polytechnic, Angwan-Tiv and Kabawa.
He expressed satisfaction with the increased production capacity but raised concerns over residents’ negligence in maintaining their service lines, particularly in Angwan-Tiv where broken pipes remain in bad condition despite government interventions.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for ensuring the intervention that led to the current repairs and maintenance work on water supply facilities in the state capital.
He stated that daily water production has increased from 1 million to 2 million liters where power supply is uninterrupted for 24 to 36 hours.
“With this intervention, daily water production has increased from 1 million to 2 million liters. If we receive uninterrupted power supply for 24 to 36 hours, we can fill the 3.5 million-liter reservoir and ensure steady distribution across key areas,” the commissioner explained.
He further stated that the government is working hard to address damage caused by the devastating impact of the 2022 flood on the Greater Lokoja Waterworks which affected the electro mechanical equipment of the facility thereby causing delays in the rehabilitation.
“We have engaged stakeholders, community leaders, and even volunteer groups to address these issues. However, some residents continue to neglect their service lines, expecting the government to take responsibility for their negligence. Moving forward, we may cut off supply to affected areas until necessary repairs are made,” he warned.
He noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that the Old Lokoja Waterworks be upgraded to sustain water distribution in the state capital.
On the concerns raised by residents in Ganaja who have also experienced water supply challenges, he clarified that the Old Lokoja Waterworks currently does not extend to the area but assured that plans are in motion to rehabilitate the Greater Lokoja Waterworks, adding that technical audits and procurement processes are ongoing to restore full operations at the Greater Lokoja Water Project.
Yahaya urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining their household water connections.
“Many people have damaged pipes within their compounds yet refuse to fix them, even when the cost is as little as ₦5,000. They end up spending much more buying water from vendors instead. The government is doing its part, but the community must also protect and maintain the infrastructure,” he stressed.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies are also working to ensure the safety and quality of potable water across Lokoja.
Meanwhile, some residents who could not hide their joy spoke to newsmen as they gathered around the flowing taps, expressing gratitude for the restoration of stable water supply after enduring periods of disruption.
Many described it as a long-awaited breakthrough, emphasizing how the intervention would ease their daily struggles and reduce the cost of purchasing water from private vendors.
