The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, 14 July 2020 declared a state of emergency on water projects in the State.
This decision was made after the house received an extensive report from the Ad-hoc committee on water resources that inspected water projects across the State.
The house also summoned contractors and officials of the water corporation to give an account of the water projects embarked on.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abdullah Abdulrasak representing Ibadan South East 1, while submitting the report, stated that the Oyo State Government led by the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi launched about 20 water projects at the accumulative cost of over N10 billion but none has been completed till date.
Abdullah disclosed that Ayete Water Scheme in Ibarapa North Local Government which was awarded in April 2019 at N399.5million, the contractor has received N119.8million disbursement, while the contract is presently at just 6percent level, the contractor has vacated the site.
The committee further listed the expansion of Ogbomoso/Ikoyi-ile water supply scheme awarded on the 9th March 2019 at N578.2million, N228.6million paid to the contractor; Laying of New Rising Mains to Igbo-Ora (Lot 1) awarded at N158million, N47.4million received by FETUNS Constructional Company Limited and others in Eruwa, Oyo, Saki, Sanusi mini water supply scheme, Owode estate mini water supply, Ogboro, Iseyinn Waterworks, Alabata and Pade where Roosco Resources Nigeria Limited received N271.8million.
While commenting on the report, the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin lamented about the situation of water in the state and condemned the action of the previous administration concerning the water situation. Ogundoyin explained that the Ajimobi led government mismanaged the State’s limited resources especially in the water supply sector and unfortunately, no one can be held responsible.
He said, “Why will a government embark on about 20 projects and you cannot complete just one of them.
“Why not work on five instead and complete it. Now, most equipment bought with billions of Naira are rotting away somewhere in the bush or buildings under construction.
“I visited Eruwa waterworks where N97.6million was awarded during my town hall meeting last year, but I only see generating set and decaying facilities.
“Our people do not enjoy water supply. We are declaring a State of emergency in the water sector because this situation is pathetic. We want the water corporation agency to be more responsible and ensuring a lot is done to complete some of these projects during the tenure.