By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, yesterday, flagged three major water supply projects to boost quality of life in Benue State.

In a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, who flagged off the projects maintained that President Bola Tinubu is concerned and passionate about the plight of all Nigerians irrespective of states and local government areas as far as his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is concerned, hence the flag off of the three critical projects.

Utsev disclosed that that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and awarded to Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited with an estimated completion timeline of 18 months.

He also described the projects which includes rehabilitation and upgrading of the Buruku-Gboko Water Supply Project; Rehabilitation and Improvement of the Wannune Water Supply Project; and Construction of the Ugbema Water Supply Project as are aimed at expanding access to potable water, improving public health, and mitigating the prevalence of waterborne diseases in the State.

The Ugbema Water Supply Project involves the construction of five standalone solar-powered boreholes with fetching points and lighting, four industrial solar-powered boreholes, a 200m³ Braithwaite surface tank, a 150m³ elevated tank on a 12m stand, and a 50m³/hr treatment plant.

Similarly, the Wannune Water Supply Project consists of four industrial solar-powered boreholes, each with a 100m³ elevated steel-welded tank, a mini treatment plant, power connections, and solar lighting to enhance functionality.

He said: “These projects are not just about water supply; they are about transforming lives. Access to clean water is fundamental to health, economic growth, and social development. With these projects, we are ensuring that residents of Buruku, Gboko, Mkar, Ugbema, Wannune, and surrounding communities no longer suffer from inadequate water supply.

“The Buruku-Gboko Water Supply Scheme seeks to rehabilitate vandalized infrastructure and restore potable water to over 506,000 residents. The project involves drawing water from the Katsina Ala River, treating it, and distributing it across key communities.

“The rehabilitation of the Gboko Water Intake and Treatment Plant includes modern pumping systems adaptable to solar power, restoration of the 7km transmission main, and installation of a 150m³/hr Package Water Treatment Plant at Buruku station. These will collectively enhance efficiency and reliability.”

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, hailed the initiative, describing it as a long-overdue intervention that would significantly improve the well-being of Benue residents.

“This project is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. Water is life, and this administration has demonstrated that it prioritizes the needs of the people. We must work together to ensure the sustainability of these projects”, Alia said.

Meanwhile, in a remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that the projects meet the highest standards and are completed on schedule.

“These projects are part of the broader effort to achieve sustainable water supply across the country. We are not just providing water; we are securing the health and future of communities”, Pheelangwah noted.

Also, the Director, Water Supply and Support Services, Babarinde Mukaila, added that the newly rehabilitated water schemes are expected to provide a sustainable and efficient water system, ensuring that residents of Buruku, Gboko, Mkar, Ugbema, Wannune, and adjoining areas enjoy uninterrupted access to potable water.