The Delta State Government has given fresh assurance that water will soon begin to flow again in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, following renewed contact with contractors handling the long-delayed water project.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Dr. Isaac Wilkie, gave the assurance in Asaba during an interview with journalists shortly after an interactive session with persons with disabilities, where he presented three wheelchairs to three participants.
Dr. Wilkie explained that the engagement was organised to enable people living with disabilities to contribute to the design of water and sanitation facilities that better meet their needs.
According to him, “We gathered Deltans who are, in one way or the other, challenged and brought them here to discuss with them how best we can include them in our programmes.”
He said although the ministry provides toilets, rehabilitates water schemes, and expands potable water access across the state, not all facilities are easily accessible to those with disabilities.
He noted that, “We may assume that we know how to do it, but the people concerned themselves have better views. If we have a water scheme in a particular place, they can tell us how best to put it so that they can access it. For toilets, they can tell us the kind of system they can use without difficulty.”
Responding to questions about water challenges in Delta North, Dr. Wilkie affirmed that several schemes had been rehabilitated in the area. He said, “We have many schemes in Boji Boji, Owa Alero, Owa Eke, Marymount, and others. All of them we have been able to touch. They are functional, though power issues may affect daily supply.”
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He added that the state is increasingly adopting solar systems to overcome power constraints, even though, in his words, “the cost is quite enormous now.”
On the much-talked-about Ogwashi-Uku water project, the Commissioner confirmed that the delay stemmed from disruptions in the original partnership with USAID. “It was supposed to be a USAID scheme, but when Trump came in, they slowed down on those programmes,” he explained.
He, however, revealed that progress had resumed. “A few weeks back, the contractor called us. They will be coming in to rehabilitate the scheme, and we are in touch with them,” he said. “By early next week, we will have a meeting with them, and I am sure the programme will take off again.”
Dr. Wilkie assured residents of Ogwashi-Uku that the government was fully aware of their concerns. “Water will be supplied to Ogwashi-Uku in a very short time,” he declared. “The government is not unaware of their problems, and we are committed to ensuring potable water gets to all senatorial districts in Delta State.”
He encouraged residents in various communities to visit nearby schemes to verify their functionality, insisting that the state had made notable progress in water development. “Delta State is a very big state, but if you go around now, you can say that the government has done well in providing potable water,” he said.
