Water supply at the Oko Correctional Centre in Benin City is set to receive a boost following the donation of a solar-powered borehole by Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa of the Church of God Mission International (CGMI).
The project, which is expected to benefit over 1,500 inmates and correctional officers, was commissioned on Thursday as part of activities marking Benson-Idahosa’s 83rd birthday.
Benson-Idahosa was represented at the commissioning by Wale Ajayi, who said the donation was part of the Archbishop’s efforts to support institutions and extend assistance to people in need.
The Assistant Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone G, Mosue Oizuajemen, welcomed the project, describing it as a much-needed intervention for the facility.
According to her, the correctional centre has faced difficulties maintaining regular water supply, largely because of the cost of diesel and fuel needed to operate its pumping system.
She also pointed to unreliable electricity supply as another factor that has affected water availability at the centre.
Oizuajemen said the introduction of solar power would help reduce dependence on fuel-powered generators and provide a more reliable means of pumping water.
She noted that both inmates and staff would benefit from the project, given the large population of the correctional facility.
The Assistant Controller-General also acknowledged Benson-Idahosa’s previous support to the centre, including the provision of a borehole, and thanked her for continuing to assist the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The correctional service expressed appreciation for the latest donation, saying the facility would benefit from improved access to water as a result of the solar-powered system.
