By Kehinde Erin
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, revealed that upgrading the Greater Lokoja Waterworks will cost about ₦100 billion.
Speaking with journalists, Farouk clarified that while some areas of Lokoja now have water supply, the current operation relies on temporary measures.
“The old waterworks is outdated. What we are using is a 1956 structure that was slightly improved in 1992. The pipes are worn out, the treatment facilities are obsolete, and the capacity no longer meets the demands of the growing population,” he stated.
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The old Lokoja water works was initially designed to supply 750,000 liters of water daily, catering to approximately 200,000 residents. However, Engr. Farouk pointed out that Lokoja’s current population has surged to an estimated 1.2 million, leaving the existing water infrastructure significantly inadequate.
He further stated that a thorough audit by the present administration revealed the need for a complete overhaul of the state’s water supply infrastructure.
According to estimates from contacted contractors, relocating the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme to a more appropriate site alone would cost over ₦100 billion.
Emphasising the flood-damaged water system inherited from the previous administration, Farouk stated that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration acted quickly to restore supply, prioritising hospitals, schools, and other essential services.
He detailed the ministry’s three-pronged strategy: immediate diesel-powered pumping and emergency repairs, medium-term expansion to underserved areas of Lokoja, and a long-term plan for a complete system overhaul.
“For the long term, we are looking at redesigning the entire system, from intake to distribution. That’s where the ₦100 billion estimate comes in. We need to replace pipelines, build new treatment plants, and establish independent power systems to ensure reliability,” he said.
The Commissioner stated that the state government is actively engaged in discussions with international and local development partners to secure funding for the essential overhaul.
He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to prioritising critical social amenities, particularly water supply, and expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s dedication to resolving water supply issues in the state capital and beyond.
He urged residents to remain patient as the government accelerates efforts to provide a long-term solution to the state’s water supply challenges.
