Aiyedatiwa declares end to decades of water scarcity as Owena Dam water project begins
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that the era of prolonged water scarcity in the state is drawing to a close, assuring residents of access to clean, safe and sustainable water after decades of inadequate supply.
The governor made the declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony of the AFD and AfDB–assisted water supply projects at the Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area.
Describing the event as the revival of a long-abandoned vision, Aiyedatiwa said the ceremony symbolised a renewed commitment to delivering potable water to residents who have endured years of dry taps and unreliable supply, noting that ” the stalled Owena Multipurpose Dam Water Treatment Plant had represented lost opportunities for decades, but with the intervention of AFD and AfDB, the state is now embarking on a historic turnaround”.
According to the governor, the Urban Water Supply Project will rehabilitate the Owena Water Treatment Plant, construct new transmission mains to Akure and surrounding areas, build 7,500-cubic-metre reservoirs, and expand urban distribution networks.
He added that the AfDB-assisted component would also strengthen sanitation systems and extend access to water across seven local government areas — Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Ondo East and Ondo West — assuring residents that no community would be left behind.
He expressed appreciation to AFD, AfDB, the African Growth Together Fund (AGTF) and the Federal Government for their support, urging contractors to deliver the projects with integrity and diligence.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Ayo Adekoya-Benson described the groundbreaking as a decisive step by government to ensure the provision of safe, sustainable and renewable water.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond rehabilitating old systems to include water treatment facilities, transmission pipelines to Akure, reservoir construction and distribution network expansion to bridge long-standing gaps.
Adekoya-Benson commended AfDB and other development partners for their collaboration, adding that the project symbolises a rebirth of a critical sector where no child would drink unsafe water and households would enjoy reliable supply.
