From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Government has announced plans to revive the moribund State Water Board Corporation and rehabilitate dams to provide sustainable and safe water supply to both urban and rural communities across the State. This initiative is aimed at addressing the risks associated with the consumption of unsafe water, as well as mitigating environmental hazards posed by the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Barrister Washington Osa Osifo, disclosed this on Monday during an interview with journalists. He highlighted concerns over the poor regulation of sachet and bottled water production in the State, stating that some of these products are prepared and packaged in unhygienic environments, with their pH levels deemed unsuitable for consumption.
According to Commissioner Osifo, the Edo State Government’s plan to improve water supply revolves around three key areas: reviving the dams, constructing public water facilities, and ensuring proper reticulation of potable water to homes.
“What we have been doing since we came in is assessing the situation and identifying critical areas that require urgent intervention. We have recognised the need to revive the Water Board Corporation, rehabilitate our dams, and regulate existing water sources to prevent the dangers of consuming unsafe water,” he said.
He pointed out that the collapse of the State Water Board led to widespread reliance on boreholes, particularly in urban centres. This, he warned, has serious environmental implications as continuous drilling disrupts the earth’s structure, potentially leading to soil loosening, erosion, and even seismic activities.
Osifo elaborated on the risks associated with the unchecked drilling of boreholes, noting that excessive groundwater extraction could destabilise the soil and endanger infrastructure.
“When government failed to provide water, people sought alternatives, leading to the widespread drilling of boreholes. However, when boreholes are drilled indiscriminately without proper assessment and regulation, it is impossible to determine what is happening beneath the earth’s crust. The weakening of the subsoil could lead to disasters, including erosion and land subsidence,” he cautioned.
To curb this trend, the government plans to reintroduce a centralised water supply system, ensuring proper water distribution and metering for revenue generation. Osifo noted that revenue from metered water supply would not only support infrastructure development but also reduce overdependence on federal allocations.
The Commissioner reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to addressing the State’s water crisis, revealing that the governor’s personal experience shaped his dedication to the cause.
“During his campaign and even after assuming office, Governor Okpebholo recounted how he lost his sister due to the lack of access to safe water when they were children. He made a vow that if given the opportunity, he would prioritise water accessibility. This is why he has directed us to move swiftly on this issue,” Osifo explained.
He assured Edo residents that concrete steps were already being taken, and in a matter of weeks, visible progress would be evident in the State’s water infrastructure.
Beyond water reforms, the Commissioner also addressed developments in the energy sector, particularly the recent constitutional amendment that placed electricity generation and distribution on the concurrent legislative list. This change grants States the power to regulate electricity supply within their jurisdictions.
Osifo described this as a game-changer, as it allows Edo State to directly grant licenses to energy investors, thereby fast-tracking electricity projects without undue federal bureaucracy.
“One of the major challenges investors faced was the need to travel to Abuja to obtain licenses for power projects in Edo. The recent amendment now allows States to regulate their electricity sector. This means we can now issue approvals locally, making it easier for investors to develop power infrastructure in the State,” he noted.
The Commissioner revealed that several investors had already expressed interest in setting up renewable energy projects, particularly solar firms, to provide stable electricity to both urban and rural communities.
Responding to questions about the reported procurement of 500,000 electricity meters by the previous administration, Osifo clarified that the State government was not directly involved in power distribution.
“We need to be realistic with figures. The Edo State Government is not a direct player in power distribution. If the meters were acquired for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) or another private provider, we need to establish the details. What we do know is that BEDC remains the major electricity distributor, and any metering project must align with industry players,” he explained.
Osifo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing potable water to rural communities through borehole projects. While acknowledging that previous administrations had implemented similar initiatives, he emphasised that the current government aimed to scale up the effort significantly.
“The welfare of the people is the primary responsibility of the government. We are already drilling boreholes in rural areas and mapping locations to determine the most viable water sources. However, unlike in the past, our approach will be more systematic and widespread,” he assured.
He noted that government officials were conducting surveys to identify the best locations for water projects, as different areas have varying underground water availability.
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