BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/IFEANYI UWAGWU
As we mark the first anniversary of Dr. Isaac Wilkie’s tenure as Commissioner of Water Resources Development, it is fitting to celebrate the remarkable strides made in ensuring potable water access across Delta State. Dr. Wilkie, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been instrumental in translating the Governor’s MORE Agenda into concrete actions that have touched the lives of countless Deltans.
Rehabilitation and Expansion of Water Supply Schemes
The 675 Cubic Metre capacity water supply scheme at Umunede in Ika North-East Local Government Area, which had been non-functional for over a decade, has been rehabilitated and is now operational, providing potable water to one of the four quarters of the town. The project, equipped with an independent power transformer and a diesel-powered plant, ensures a regular water supply. Plans are underway to extend this supply to other quarters of the town, aiming for total coverage.
At Boji-Boji Owa, the 675 Cubic Metre Headworks, commissioned in 1989 and long redundant, has been rejuvenated. The circulatory system is being overhauled to ensure optimal utilization, benefiting several towns and communities across Ika South and North-East Local Government Areas. The project has also been equipped with a 200kva transformer, underscoring the administration’s focus on infrastructure enhancement.
The 675 Cubic Metre capacity water supply scheme at Obiaruku is also enjoying a new lease of life, filling the critical gap in potable water supply in the town and environs.
The Marymount water scheme at Agbor, a 30,000-gallon-capacity project is functional now supplying potable water to residents of the area.
At the 30,000-gallon-capacity water supply scheme at Owa-Alero and the 409 Cubic Metre scheme at Owa-Ekei, rehabilitation works are ongoing on both sites, to ensure maximum utilization of the projects and to bridge the gap in potable supply.
The Kwale pump station, a 675 cubic metre capacity facility located in Ndokwa West LGA, rehabilitation work has been completed, with potable water due to be supplied into the main town. The station has also enjoyed an infrastructural facelift and is equipped with a 200kva transformer and a diesel powered plant for unfettered power supply.
Another is 675 cubic meter capacity tank fully rehabilitated and supplying water to parts of Ughelli town. Plans are already underway to extend supply to the remaining parts of the town for total coverage. The facility is well equipped with a 200kva transformer and a diesel powered plant to ensure regular supply of potable water to the residents of the town.
The Ministry has made significant strides at the Delta State Urban Water Corporation (DESUWACO) premises, where a 40,000-gallon capacity water project powered by a generator is under construction. Upon completion, this project will greatly improve water access for residents in key areas such as the Legislative Quarters, NTA, and Macdons. This strategic focus on urban water distribution reflects a well-planned approach to addressing the water needs of densely populated areas.
Semi Urban Projects
Rehabilitation and improvement of Water Facilities in 39 small towns across the state through the Small Town Water Supply & Sanitation Agency *(STOWASSA)*
The Benefiting Communities cut across the 3 senatorial districts, namely:
Oleh, Uzere, Edegbrode, Adeje, Ogume, Umukwata, Unernurhie, Sanubi-Orogun, amongst Others.
Comprehensive Rural Water Projects
Beyond urban and semi urban centers, the Oborevwori administration has placed a strong emphasis on rural areas.
In Ughelli North LGA, the rehabilitation of the Evwreni, Ovwodokpokpor, and Otovwodo water projects reflects a targeted approach to addressing the unique needs of various communities. By focusing on multiple locations within a single LGA, the Ministry ensures widespread benefits, fostering more inclusive development.
Several water projects in the hard to reach coastal areas of Delta State also received attention.
Also, 31 Rural Water Schemes across the senatorial districts have been approved for rehabilitation by His Excellency,Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
Addressing Historical Water Challenges
The Warri/Effurun water project rehabilitation stands out as a major achievement. Supported by substantial financial commitments, this project, once completed, will resolve long-standing water supply issues in one of the state’s most important urban areas. This highlights the administration’s ability to mobilize resources for critical infrastructure projects.
Strategic Rehabilitation Efforts
In Okpe LGA, the ongoing rehabilitation of the Osubi water project signifies the government’s strategic approach to water management, focusing on projects with the potential for large-scale impact. Similarly, the rehabilitation of the Ogwashi-Uku Water Supply Scheme, which had been non-functional for about three years, is underway. This 675 cubic meter scheme, once operational, will serve Aniocha South Local Government Area, further illustrating the administration’s commitment to equitable water distribution across rural and urban areas.
Partnership and Collaboration for Enhanced Water Supply
The second phase of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) with the Federal Government marks another milestone. Covering Ughelli North, Isoko North, and Udu Local Government Areas, this initiative involves 28 water projects. The collaborative approach ensures that Delta State benefits from both federal and state resources, fostering a sustainable and comprehensive water management strategy.
Testimonies
The Ministry’s efforts under Dr. Isaac Wilkie’s leadership have not gone unnoticed. Miss Ifeoma Anyatu from Umunede expressed gratitude for the functional water scheme, noting that it has eased economic burdens by providing free, treated water, a marked improvement over costly private sources. “The scheme has benefited us greatly, previously, we used to buy water N100 per bucket, but now we just queue up in the afternoon to fetch water every afternoon for free”, she said.
Chief Boniface Chiejie, President-General of the Umunede Progressive Union (UPU), praised the government for addressing long-neglected water needs, reflecting the community’s appreciation for the administration’s initiatives.“For many years, we have not been able to get water. However, with this, this project they have given to Umunede, I think it is a welcome development in our community. I hope that everything that is concerning this water will be fully done with time because my people need this.
Secondly, we have to appreciate the ministry and the government for having us in mind to say that they gave us water. We appreciate the Governor, the commissioner and his team”.
In Obiaruku, Chief Evans Uwabuofu commended the rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the dual benefits of improved health and reduced financial strain for residents. “We know water is life, but not all water enhances life. We know that this water is treated and as such not detrimental to the health of our people, it would also ensure that the about N1,000 or so budgeted by some of the households in the town to fetch water would be channelled into other meaningful ventures”, he said.
In Ughelli, the immediate-past President -General of the Ughelli Descendants Union (UDU), Chief Pius Omubaye hailed the Commissioner and his team for reviving the Ughelli Water Project, describing it as critical in the lives of residents of the town. “The importance of water in human lives cannot be overemphasized, that’s why we are grateful that this facility has been rejuvenated to play that critical role. We thank the Governor and the commissioner for their efforts in ensuring that the public water system is revived in our town”, he said.
He also promised that the residents of the town would take ownership of the project and secure it to ensure sustainability.
Such testimonies underscore the tangible impact of the administration’s water projects on the lives of Deltans.
As we celebrate this first anniversary, it is clear that Dr. Isaac Wilkie and his team at the Ministry of Water Resources Development have made significant strides in addressing the water needs of Delta State. Through strategic planning, community engagement, and a relentless focus on the MORE Agenda, they have brought about meaningful change that will benefit generations to come. The achievements of the past year are a testament to what can be accomplished when dedicated leadership meets the pressing needs of the people. As Delta State continues to progress under the Oborevwori administration, the Ministry of Water Resources Development will undoubtedly remain a key player in the ongoing transformation of the state.
