By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Benue State has been admitted into the World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, in a move expected to boost access to clean water, sanitation and improved hygiene across the state.
The approval made possible by the State Executive Council will pave the way for rehabilitation and expansion of critical water infrastructure in Makurdi, Katsina-Ala and Otukpo towns, as well as development of new distribution networks through public-private partnership arrangements.
State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, told journalists during a press briefing shortly after the executive meeting at the Government House in Makurdi that the onboarding of the programme would support the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure across the state through collaboration and public-private partnership arrangements.
He said the state had already commenced assessment of the Greater Makurdi Waterworks and the old waterworks in Makurdi, including pipeline extensions, reticulation to new settlements and rehabilitation of the old distribution network.
He noted that the assessment team would also visit Katsina-Ala and Otukpo to evaluate water infrastructure in the two towns.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government had paid N670 million owed to CGC, the Chinese company that constructed the new waterworks at Otobi, after the debt remained outstanding for more than 13 years.
He said the government also funded the rehabilitation of the abandoned Otobi Waterworks and had extended water supply to about 25 streets in Otukpo.
According to him, the ongoing federal road construction had affected some major water supply lines in Otukpo, but efforts were underway to restore the affected connections.
The commissioner said the SURWASH programme would also support the state’s efforts to improve sanitation and achieve Open Defecation Free status.
Odoh further disclosed that the council also directed relevant authorities to intensify warnings to residents over possible flash floods following information received from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
He noted that residents in flood-prone areas, including Wadata, North Bank, Wurukum, parts of Naka road and Welfare Quarters, were advised to exercise caution.
The commissioner said that the government urged residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, gutters and drainage channels, warning that such practices could worsen flooding.
He also advised residents living along riverbanks to monitor rising water levels during the rainy season and take necessary precautions.
