BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Government has reached an agreement with leaders of Olero Creek communities in Warri North Local Government Area to address the longstanding challenges of potable water and power supply.
This agreement aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE AGENDA, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens across the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources Development, DR. Isaac Wilkie, announced the resolution during a meeting with community leaders and stakeholders from Udo, Ajemetan, Tebu Gbokoda, Jakpa, Ebrohimi, and Obaghoro.
The meeting was convened in response to a formal appeal from the communities, who had earlier written to the governor, threatening a breakdown of law and order if their demands were not addressed.
Addressing these grievances, Commissioner Wilkie assured the community of the government’s commitment to resolving the water crisis. “As someone who grew up along these creeks, I understand the irony of being surrounded by water but lacking access to clean drinking water. Rest assured, the government is taking concrete steps to resolve this issue once and for all,” he said.
He mentioned that improvements to water schemes in Obaghoro, Ebrohimi, Tebu Gbokoda, and Udo had already been awarded, with contractors set to mobilize to the sites soon. Plans are also underway to enhance water supply in Dibi, Tisun, and Kolokolo.
Wilkie urged the communities to take ownership of these facilities, emphasizing that their maintenance and proper management would ensure long-term benefits, noting that the matter of power supply would be present to the Commissioner for Power and Energy, with plans to involve him in future discussions.
In his remarks, a representative of the communities Hon. Aduge Okorodudu, recounted past efforts to resolve the water issue.
He highlighted that under the previous administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a contract was awarded for the installation of pipelines to Chevron flow stations as a means of providing water. However, the project stalled when Chevron allegedly denied making commitments to the arrangement and halted contractor access to the facilities. He said
Similarly, Hon. Roland Ukuesan expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing the Olero Creek communities and suggested organizing a town hall meeting to restore trust among the youth, who have grown skeptical of their leaders’ commitment to representing their interests.
He further acknowledged that the agreement will mark a significant step toward addressing the basic infrastructural needs of the Olero Creek communities, promising a brighter future for the residents of Warri North.
