The Atilo-Oglewu village in Benue State has had a severe water shortage for years. However, yesterday at Ohimini Local Council, Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to providing the community with technical expertise.
At a ceremony honouring the N1 billion water project and Madam Alice Igbe Oklobia, a famous figure in the Idoma musical culture, Adamu made the vow.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Lower Benue River Development Authority managing director Mohammad Adra pledged to provide adequate water supply to the residents of the Atilo-Oglewu community in the state of Benue."
As part of the federal government's initiative to ensure that Nigerians have access to water, he said that the ministry created a strategy document to solve the country's water scarcity. He provided more information in a study titled "The Nigeria Water Resources Roadmap."
According to the minister in charge of these projects, the government has found alternative means for funding and delivering water supply and sanitation through improved engagement with development partners, states, local council authorities, and communities.
He said: “I want to state here that the ministry and the authority are willing to assist Atilo-ijaha.”
“Open defecation pollutes the environment, and contaminates water, thereby resulting in water-borne disease, in addition to the loss of dignity by the individuals involved,” Adamu said as he issued the charge to eliminate open defecation from the town.