Minister Utsev Inspects Ilesha Water Supply Project, Calls for Immediate Action to Enhance Water Supply

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, visited the Ilesha Water Supply Project in Osun State on Wednesday, as part of his ongoing inspection tour of Federal water projects in the South West.

According to a press statement signed by Director, Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, the purpose of the visit was to assess the current status of the project and explore ways to improve water supply to 32 villages in the Ilesha area.

Prof. Utsev stressed the urgent need to accelerate the project, highlighting the importance of improving both the quality and quantity of water supplied.

He emphasized that recommendations from the Osun State consultant will be thoroughly reviewed, with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices, cost-efficiency, and ensuring high water quality. Collaboration with stakeholders, including the Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources and water resources experts, will be crucial in overcoming the project’s challenges.

During the inspection, it was reported that water quantity from the reservoir has significantly decreased, primarily due to illegal activities upstream. Prof. Utsev urged the state consultant to submit detailed recommendations and announced plans for a follow-up meeting to discuss the best strategies for ensuring a continuous water supply to the affected communities.

The Osun State project consultant, Engr. Lanre Abioye, presented his findings, noting that the initial water capacity had diminished. He recommended desilting the reservoir, constructing a new 5 million cubic meter reservoir, and implementing periodic maintenance to enhance water distribution.

The inspection was attended by Hon. Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi, Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources; senior officials from the Osun State government; Directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation; and other key stakeholders.