_Ogun State Government Warns Residents Against Damaging Water Infrastructure_
The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to residents and contractors in the state against damaging water infrastructure, threatening to arrest and prosecute offenders.The warning comes as the state water corporation struggles to rehabilitate and upgrade its infrastructure, which has been compromised by deliberate damage and neglect.
According to Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, the corporation is battling aged and deteriorating facilities that have not been replaced by successive administrations in the state. Despite these challenges, the corporation is committed to improving the quality of potable water supply to residents.
However, the corporation’s efforts are being frustrated by the constant damage to its facilities, particularly by road contractors who frequently damage underground pipeline networks without making efforts to replace them. This persistent damage has contributed to the rise in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), leading to substantial losses in resources, increased operational costs, and a decline in service efficiency.
The repercussions of these avoidable infrastructure damages are far-reaching, including wasted treated water, escalating repair costs, increased risk of contamination, disruptions in water supply, and loss of revenue. Furthermore, the damage has caused reputational damage to the Ogun State Water Corporation (OSWC), eroding public confidence in its ability to provide essential services.
The OSWC has reiterated its stance against any act damaging its infrastructure, stating that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. The corporation will take decisive measures to hold offenders accountable for any damage inflicted upon its assets.
To prevent future damage, the corporation will enforce stricter collaboration between OSWC and road construction firms to ensure pre-construction assessments of water pipelines. Additionally, the corporation will strengthen monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to address incidents of damage swiftly, as well as enhance public awareness among other measures.
The OSWC remains committed to improving water supply across Ogun State, but emphasized that these efforts must be supported by responsible practices from all stakeholders, particularly construction companies and contractors.
The corporation has called on all relevant authorities, agencies, and the general public to join in preserving and protecting its water assets for the benefit of all. Road contractors and stakeholders have been urged to act with a sense of responsibility and prioritize infrastructure protection as a fundamental aspect of their operations.
Any deliberate or negligent act that compromises the water distribution network will be met with decisive action, the corporation warned. As the OSWC works to improve water supply in the state, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to protect the infrastructure that provides this essential service.
