By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The persistent vandalization of water supply equipment in Kogi State has become a severe challenge, jeopardizing public access to potable water, according to the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Danladi Yahaya Farouk.
While presenting the 2025 budget of his ministry at the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Tuesday, the commissioner highlighted the increasing frequency of such acts, which he described as a major threat to the ministry’s operations.
“Despite some arrests in isolated cases, vandalism remains rampant. In many instances, it involves the complicity of our staff, members of host communities, and even security personnel,” he disclosed.
Farouk recounted alarming cases, such as the theft of an entire chemical room and a generator meant to power a water plant in Idah. “A similar incident occurred in Ankpa, and we are currently prosecuting vandals apprehended in Ayegunle-Gbede and Lokoja,” he added.
To tackle the menace, the ministry is collaborating with traditional rulers and security agencies to safeguard equipment across the state’s 21 local government areas.
However, the commissioner noted that limited staff and a lack of operational vehicles are also impeding the ministry’s efforts to meet Kogi’s water supply demands.
Addressing the session, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu-Tijani, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Water Resources, underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right.
“It is our duty to ensure this right is upheld and promoted for the benefit of all Kogi residents,” he stated.
While commending the ministry for achievements in water supply and sanitation in 2024, Shehu-Tijani identified performance gaps and called for innovative measures to bridge them.
The proposed 2025 budget highlights significant investments in water infrastructure, including upgrades to water treatment systems, the rehabilitation of aging plants, and expansion of distribution networks in Lokoja and other major towns.
He urged the ministry to maintain strong collaboration with the committee and ensure that investments are effectively managed and aligned with the state’s development priorities.
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