“Water supply should be managed by the consuming society” – NIWE to OGSG
Some residents of Ogun state have been plunged into severe water scarcity for years now, leaving them to go round with buckets and kegs in search of water. This situation, the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers NIWE has blamed on the lack of political will from successive governments in the state.
Engr. Olusanjo Bamgboye made this known in his lecture entitled “Water supply management in ogun state: prospects, challenges and way forward”, delivered at the 1st Engr. Jimoh Adio Olawale Akinbowale memorial lecture and investiture of Engr. Sakiru Onososen as the 3rd chairman of NIWE, Abeokuta chapter as well as conferment of fellowship awards.
According to him, Ogun state is blessed with abundant groundwater yet to be fully evaluated.
“The major universal challenges in Ogun State Water supply management are: Inadequate investment in water infrastructure, lack of political will to tackle the tough problems in this area, inadequate provision for operation inputs such as electricity instability, diesel, lubricants, water treatment, chemicals, etc.”
The guest lecturer described the present solution approach is typical multilateral methods of accessing increased fund allocation, reforms, rehabilitations and change of working personnel and supervisory boards which till date, has hot yielded desired results.
Proffering solutions to the lingering water crisis in the state, the professional urged political leaders not to see provision as a tool to get votes with no will to understand or use it for societal development.
“Water supply should be managed by those who value it most, the consuming society. If integrated eater resources management tools are effectively utilized; community based water supply management using eater users associations may provide the way forward form existing challenges.”
Earlier in her address, National Chairman of the body, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe called for efforts from lawmakers and stakeholders geared towards reviving the water sector in Nigeria and putting an end to incessant borehole drilling which had impending damages to the environment.
The new chapter chairman, Engr. Sakiru Onososen promised to constitute an advisory committee to liaise with the state government on assisting with the situation of water management and flooding in the state with the aim of providing a lasting solution, while also calking for the support of all members in ensuring the chapter leaves a remarkable legacy.
NIWE is the water division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers aimed at bringing together practicing water engineers for technological, social and economic cooperation and advancement.
