The Ogun State government has strongly warned residents, particularly contractors working within communities, against damaging water infrastructure, saying individuals found culpable will be arrested and prosecutedCONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The state water corporation, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Water Resources, Damilola Otubanjo, condemned deliberate acts of vandalism against basic water infrastructure
She accused contractors of destroying pipelines during road construction without making efforts to replace them.
According to her, the corporation is already struggling with aged and deteriorating facilities, neglected by successive administrations, and is working to rehabilitate and upgrade these infrastructures
“However, these efforts are being hindered by the frequent damage inflicted on them.
“As we are fully committed to rehabilitating and upgrading our water supply networks, one pipe at a time, our efforts to enhance the water sector and ensure the provision of potable water to the citizens of Ogun State are being greatly hampered by the insensitive activities of road contractors
“These contractors, driven solely by the urgency of road construction, frequently damage our underground pipeline networks with little regard for the consequences of their actions
“This persistent and avoidable damage has significantly contributed to the rise in Non-Revenue Water, leading to substantial resource losses, increased operational costs, and reduced service efficiency.
“The repercussions of these avoidable infrastructure damages include a high volume of wasted treated water, with bursts and leaks resulting in the massive loss of already-treated water, causing unnecessary depletion of our limited resources.
“Additionally, escalating repair costs impose a heavy financial burden on OSWC, diverting funds that could otherwise be used for infrastructure upgrades and service improvements. Damaged pipes also expose treated water to external contaminants, posing serious health hazards to residents
“Disruptions in water supply lead to service interruptions, depriving communities of access to clean and safe drinking water, while financial losses arise from wasted resources and uncollected water revenue. Furthermore, service disruptions and inefficiencies create a false perception of negligence on OSWC’s part, eroding public confidence in our ability to provide essential services.”
The corporation reiterated its stance against any act damaging its infrastructure, stating that such behaviour will no longer be tolerated
It vowed to take decisive measures to hold offenders accountable, enforcing stricter collaboration between OSWC and road construction firms to ensure pre-construction assessments of water pipelines
Additionally, the corporation plans to strengthen monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to swiftly address incidents of damage while enhancing public awareness of the issue
“The OSWC remains resolute in its commitment to improving water supply across Ogun State. However, these efforts must be supported by responsible practices from all stakeholders, particularly construction companies and contractors. We call on all relevant authorities, agencies, and the general public to join us in preserving and protecting our water assets for the benefit of all.
“We urge road contractors and all stakeholders to act with a sense of responsibility and prioritise infrastructure protection as a fundamental aspect of their operations. Any deliberate or negligent act that compromises our water distribution network will be met with decisive action.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
