– Kogi Commissioner Explains as he appeals for Patience
Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, has disclosed that the full rehabilitation and modernization of the Greater Lokoja Waterworks will require an estimated ₦100 billion.
Farouk made this known during an exclusive interview with Lugard TV, where he explained that although water has begun flowing again in some parts of Lokoja, the facility is currently being run under emergency interventions.
“The old waterworks is outdated. What we are using is a 1956 structure that was slightly improved in 1992. The pipes are worn out, the treatment facilities are obsolete, and the capacity no longer meets the demands of the growing population,” he stated.
He explained that the original design capacity of the old Lokoja water works is 750,000 liters per day to serve a population of about 200,000 residents, adding that the estimated population of lokoja is now 1.2 Million thereby rendering the existing water infrastructure largely incapable of meeting the city’s growing water needs.
Engr. Farouk noted that the present administration has conducted a comprehensive facility audit of the entire water supply infrastructure in the state and discovered that a complete overhaul including the relocation of the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme to a more suitable location would cost over ₦100 billion according estimates received from contractors who have been contacted by the ministry of water resources.
He emphasized that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo inherited a water system that was seriously challenged due to damages by flood waters and had to act swiftly to restore supply, particularly to hospitals, schools, and other critical service areas.
Farouk further outlined the three-pronged approach adopted by the ministry as short-term emergency repairs and pumping by using diesel-powered generators, medium-term plans to expand reach to previously unserved and underserved parts of Lokoja and a long-term vision to overhaul the entire water system.
“For the long term, we are looking at redesigning the entire system, from intake to distribution. That’s where the ₦100 billion estimate comes in. We need to replace pipelines, build new treatment plants, and establish independent power systems to ensure reliability,” he said.
The Commissioner confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the state government and international development partners as well as local partners to secure required funding for the overhaul.
He assured that the government will continue to prioritize critical social amenities like water supply and expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s commitment to resolving challenges of water supply in the state capital and other parts of the state.
The Commissioner called on residents to remain patient as the government intensifies efforts to deliver a sustainable solution to water supply shortages in the state.
Government House Media Team
May 13, 2025
