Relief, As Gov Okpebholo Revives Moribund Water Scheme in Edo
By Simeon OSAJIE
In a bid to address the challenge of water scarcity in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has launched a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s urban water infrastructure, beginning with the revitalization of the long-abandoned Ugboha Water Supply Scheme in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.
The revival of the Ugboha water supply scheme marks the first step in a statewide intervention targeting critical water supply systems across the three senatorial districts.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Hon. Uyi Ekhosuehi, revealed that when he assumed office just over two months ago, his first assignment was a needs assessment of Ugboha, a community that has been without water for nearly due to a complete breakdown of the dam and treatment plant, following years of neglect, vandalism, and poor implementation.
“What we found was disturbing,” he said. “The dam was down, and the treatment plant had stopped functioning. Worse still, substandard materials were used in the original project, particularly the improper mix of ductile iron and PVC pipes, which caused extensive leakages and system failure.”
He noted that the Governor, recognizing the urgency, swiftly approved the procurement of durable and appropriate replacement pipes.
“The governor graciously gave the green light for new pipes, saying that Ugboha cannot be the host community of this project and still lack water. That prompt decision is what brought us to this stage,” Ekhosuehi said.
He remarked that the new pipes have been delivered, and excavation work for their installation is already underway, a visible sign of the administration’s swift response and action-oriented governance.
Hon. Ekhosuehi also disclosed that beyond just restoring supply, the administration is also planning to increase the system’s output capacity. He revealed that the Ugboha River has the potential to produce 30 million liters of water per day, compared to the current output of just 3 million liters, further underscoring the strategic importance of the project.
The local community has welcomed the development with open arms. Speaking on behalf of residents, Elder Abanokha Stephen, Chairman of the Ugboha Water Consumers Association, commended the administration’s responsiveness and transparency.
“When this project was first executed, we had water briefly. But due to poor-quality pipes, the system failed. We’ve cried out many times. Now, for the first time in years, we are seeing government action,” he said.
Elder Stephen expressed hope that the restored Ugboha water scheme would not only benefit Ugboha town but eventually extend across the larger Esan region, improving access to potable water for thousands of residents.
The inspection team was met with jubilation at the community market square, where women, youth, and elders gathered in large numbers to express their gratitude. The community’s excitement and participation underscored the deep significance of the project to their daily lives.
The Ugboha initiative reflects Governor Okpebholo’s broader commitment to restoring basic public utilities across the state, with a governance model rooted in responsive leadership, strategic planning, and the delivery of tangible results.
As more communities across Edo brace for similar interventions, the administration has signaled that it is not only focused on high-profile infrastructure but is equally committed to the vital, often overlooked systems that improve quality of life at the grassroots.
