Osun State has reiterated its commitment on provision of potable water.
The government said it would partner stakeholders and organisations to ensure improved and adequate water supply.
Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy Dr. Amidu Raheem addressed a news conference yesterday in Osogbo to mark the World Water Day.
World Water Day is marked every March 22. This year’s theme is ‘Water and Climate Change’.
The conference was jointly addressed by Raheem and Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources and Energy Adeniran Ibitoye.
Raheem, who described water as indispensable to healthy living, said the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had strengthened the ministry’s capacity to provide potable water for residents.
He said: “The main purpose of this conference is to advocate for the sustainable management of fresh water, and to learn more about water-related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference.
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“This year’s World Water Day is to emphasise the importance of water to human race and create avenues to discuss how nature-based solutions are sustainable and cost-effective to help rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effect of climate change and improve human health and livelihood.
“If we want to create a sustainable future, water management needs to be scrutinised through a climate resilience mechanism.
There is also need to invest more on improved hydrologic data, education, risk assessment knowledge sharing and capacity development. Water policies need to ensure representation, participation, behavioural change and accountability of stakeholders.
“Kudos must be given to Governor Oyetola for implementing the State Water and Sanitation Sector Policy and Law. We urge the people to avoid anything that can negatively affect the schemes and infrastructure.
“To ensure that people have access to sustainable water, Mr Governor also procured an industrial submersible pump as a palliative measure for the faulty intake structure to bring succour to the people being served by the water scheme.
“The governor has continued with this zeal through the construction of Ilesa water supply and sanitation project, and the continued maintenance of existing water infrastructure to meet the challenges as epitomised by the scourges of Lassa Fever and COVID-19, which require potable water for good hygiene and sanitation practices to combat.”
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