Senator Nwoko Urges Delta Govt to Harness Ogwashi-Uku Dam for Water, Electricity, others 

Victoria Ojiako 

Senator Ned Nwoko has once again urged the Delta State Government to harness the Ogwashi-Uku Dam in order to generate water, electricity and other amenities. 

The senator, who has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people in his senatorial zone, Delta North, and indeed all Deltans, stressed that he wants every household to enjoy portable water, not just for drinking but also for farming, using the vast potential of the Ogwashi-Uku dam. 

The Senator, who has been vocal about leveraging the multi-functional Ogwashi-Uku dam to improve the lives of residents in Delta State, urged the state government under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to complete the necessary infrastructure that will fully activate the dam’s potential. 

The Federal Government states that, it had successfully completed its responsibilities, which includes the construction of the dam, as indicated in the feedback to the Senator, conveyed, via a letter from the desk of The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Water Resources & Sanitation Dated June 26, 2024, with ref. No. FMWR &S/DRO/29/5.IV/C.2/T/342. 

It read in part, “the Federal Government therefore urges  that the State Government, still needs to build the water treatment plant and install the piping system that would deliver water to homes and farms.”

The letter further urged the State Government to Collaborate with the Benin Owena River basin Development Authority ( BORBDA) who the federal Government handed over the Dam to, upon completion in 2019, for effective utilisation of the impounded water. 

The Ogwashi-Uku dam, once fully operational, will serve three key functions by firstly providing clean portable pipeborne water for Delta State Citizens in their homes.

 The State Government Providing a water treatment plant will ensure that every household in the surrounding 70 communities, have access to safe, treated drinking water.  

Secondly, irrigation for Agricultural Development is key to increasing food security. The dam will supply water for irrigation, supporting local farmers and boosting food production.  

In addition, Power Generation can also be achieved. Beyond water, the dam has the capacity to generate electricity, improving energy supply in the region.

Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, as the only serving senator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has passionately pursued this cause, pushing for cooperation between the State and Federal governments. 

He has engaged in multiple discussions, with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa the former Governor of Delta State, highlighting the urgency of completing the dam’s infrastructure. He has engaged in conversations with this present Governor over eight times on different issues, to facilitate development, for the Citizens of Delta State.  

Despite these efforts and significant Federal allocations for the projects, the Delta State government has consistently cited financial constraints as a barrier, stating that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government.

 It is the opinion of the Senator that the State should prioritize relief to the citizens of Delta to make every day life more bearable. Every area he is pressuring and urging for cooperation for, all border on improved livelihood for Delta State Citizens. 

The political currency coming from cooperation to get things done to make life easier for Deltans, will be that of the PDP, to leverage on.  If the people have better infrastructure to support life and their livelihoods, coupled with the twin advantages of harnessing access to Power Generation and Irrigation,  Development and economic boom will happen. 

This is when the boost in resources that the State is enjoying, will be felt by the ordinary citizens, whose businesses too, will boom and every day life will cease to be brutish.

Senator Ned Nwoko has been on National Television, stating that Nigeria is rich and her Citizens must not suffer. By that same token, he continues to urge, that Delta is enjoying increased allocation and cooperation by both Federal and State Government, as well as all arms of Government playing  their roles effectively, is the secret to succeeding in making life bearable for the people. 

 Senator Nwoko has already initiated plans for a second dam in Idumuje-Ugboko, which has been included in the federal budget. His dedication to improving living conditions and empowering the agricultural sector is undeniable. However, he calls on the State Government to fulfill its role in completing the Ogwashi-Uku dam project, emphasizing that better living conditions for the people should remain a top priority.

Senator Nwoko’s vision is bold and far-reaching. He seeks a future where every home in Delta North has clean water, where farmers are empowered with irrigation systems, and where the State can harness all the power generating potential of its natural resources. For this dream to be realized, cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders are essential, especially from the State Government.

Finally, Senator Ned Nwoko continues to stand as a voice for the people, both at the Federal level and urging cooperation at the State level, striving for better living conditions, for the Citizens. 

His call for provision of access to power generated, at Okpai, for the community and it’s neighbors; further harnessing of more avenues for generation of Power, from the Ogwashi-ukwu Dam, improved agricultural support, through irrigation, and enhanced infrastructure, are all rooted in his deep passion for the progress and well-being of Delta State Citizens. 

His advocacy style is consistent, nothing personal. We therefore urge for cooperation to fulfil all the promises made to Nigerians by all stakeholders, together. We ask that we all should stop politicizing these issues that affect the citizens and work together to achieve growth and development.      Gloria Okolugbo Communication Lead.  Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko. Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial Zone.