Ogun Community Water Crisis: Rep Member, Hon Isiaka, Reacts To Punch’s Report, says “resolution to age-long problem insight”

The House of Representatives Member, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka GNI representing Yewa-North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency at the National Assembly has reacted swiftly to the report of unavailability of clean water in some communities within Yewa-North of Ogun-State, by Punch Newspaper Online.

Speaking through his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon Rasaq Oduntan, GNI explain the root cause of the present situation and steps been taken to remedy the situation for people of the communities.

Read full Statement:

ADDRESSING THE WATER CRISIS IN ASA AND NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES

We acknowledge the severe water scarcity crisis affecting communities such as Asa, Ohunbe, Iyana Meta, Igbokofin, Ologiri, and many others within the Ketu state constituency, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun state. This dire situation has burdened our people for years, transcending current administrations, depriving families of a fundamental human right – access to clean, potable water.

We also appreciate Punch NG for raising awareness about this important issue through their recent viral video. However, it’s important to note that this situation was originally reported around a year ago. Even though progress is being made to help address the challenges, there seems to be renewed focus on it now.

Following Punch’s initial coverage of the water crisis last year, the Border Community Development Association (BCDA) took proactive steps by drilling a borehole in Asa community. This intervention has considerably improved access to clean, potable water for the residents, providing much-needed relief and respite from the longstanding difficulties.

However, the root cause of this crisis needs to be mentioned. Asides the direct efforts of the state government, virtually every elected state and federal representative since the fourth republic – including the undersigned have cited boreholes in different parts of the communities, but their efforts have been thwarted by the unique terrain and geological challenges of the communities. The boreholes either did not work at all or were not enduring. The hard rock layers beneath the surface of these communities have proven impenetrable to conventional drilling methods, leaving these well-intentioned initiatives futile.

But today, having identified the main cause of this long-standing issue, we have made extensive consultations with water engineering experts, and found out that specialized rotary drilling rigs are required to pierce the unyielding rock formations and tap into the life-giving aquifers that lie deep below.

Consequently, we have identified two strategic borehole projects within these communities to begin with, and we expect the drilling to commence soon, in accordance with the implementation of the 2024 budget and utilizing the state-of-the-art rotary technology suitable to overcome our local geological challenges.

This is without prejudice to any other potential efforts by the State Government and Federal/State legislators.

We are resolute in our commitment to alleviate the water problems in these communities and others within the federal constituency.

Together, a better future is within reach.