The Honourable Minister of State at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has affirmed his commitment to supporting Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, in implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions.
The Minister assured that the university will receive assistance in these initiatives once the necessary procedures are put in place and the project is included in the 2025 Budget.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo made this pledge during a courtesy visit on Thursday, 15th August 2024, in Abuja. Present at the meeting were the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo S. Bamire, Pro Chancellor Prof. Siyan Oyewebo, and Consultant/Geologist Agugo Abraham.
During the visit, the Minister of State requested the submission of a formal proposal to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation for approval. He emphasized that this proposal would expedite the deployment of a team of experts to assess the condition of the distressed Opa Dam, which supplies water to the Institution.
The team’s task would involve evaluating sedimentation levels and addressing WASH-related concerns, providing recommendations for resolving the Dam’s issues.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo underscored the significance of adequate WASH facilities on campus to alleviate water accessibility challenges for students.
He advised the university management to explore Public-Private Partnership arrangements and engage with Federal Government intervention programs such as SURWASH and PEWASH to tackle water distribution challenges stemming from the Opa Dam.
The Minister highlighted the predicament of abandoned government projects at the community level due to a lack of ownership, urging responsible parties for government properties to diligently maintain and care for them.
He encouraged the Vice Chancellor and his team to raise awareness about PEWASH and SURWASH within the University community.
Director of Dams and Reservoirs, Engr. Alli Dallah, and Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, pointed out that dams are enduring projects necessitating thorough feasibility studies.
They proposed considering boreholes as an interim solution.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire requested specialized interventions from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S) in desilting the aging Opa Dam, ensuring adequate potable water supply, reinforcing the existing distribution system, replacing asbestos pipes with HDPE pipes, constructing a new dam, and providing sufficient sanitation facilities.
Pro Chancellor Prof. Siyan Oyewebo expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of State and his team, urging immediate assistance to enhance water supply before the next academic session, as students are currently on break.
