The Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company has conducted a stakeholder engagement across selected beneficiary communities as part of efforts to promote community ownership and ensure the sustainability of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Program (SURWASH) in the state.
The stakeholder engagement was conducted as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development, transparency, and community driven participation in infrastructure projects which aimed at improving access to potable water and enhancing economic growth across Ekiti State.
The engagement was carried out in communities that will benefit from the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Ijan Booster Station. The project is expected to provide water supply to Ago-Aduloju, Aso-Ayegunle, ABUAD, Knowledge Zone, Federal Polytechnic.. and other benefiting communities along the axis.
The major water source, Egbe Dam, has recently been stabilized with improved electricity supply to ensure consistent and reliable water distribution to the affected areas.
During the engagement, stakeholders were sensitized on the scope and objectives of the SURWASH programme and enlightened on their roles and responsibilities as beneficiary communities and individuals.
Addressing participants in the various communities, Mr. Temitope Agboola who is the PRO of EKSWC Ltd and the communication officer on the SURWASH program in the IA, led the team to conduct the stakeholders’ engagement in those communities as part of the requirement for the implementation of the project. He emphasized that the project is designed to significantly improve water supply and stimulate economic activities within the axis.
He urged residents to see the facilities not merely as government property, but as shared community assets that require collective ownership, protection, and proper maintenance.
He assured residents that the project would not disrupt their means of livelihood, stressing that businesses would continue to thrive alongside.
He also appealed to community members not to obstruct contractors during project execution, assuring them of professionalism and adherence to work ethics. He further pledged that any surface damage resulting from installations would be properly restored.
To strengthen collaboration and ensure seamless communication, Agboola directed each benefiting community to constitute a five-member Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), comprising men, women, and youth representatives. The committee will serve as a liaison channel between the government and the communities to address complaints and resolve issues that may arise during project implementation.
In addition, a Water Consumers Association (WCA) will be established to operate after project completion. The WCA will monitor water distribution, oversee maintenance, and ensure long term sustainability of the facilities.
Mr. Agboola noted that government representatives would continue to hold regular meetings with committee members and provide necessary guidance and materials to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He clarified that water supply would not be free but provided at a subsidized rate. A prepaid metering system will be introduced to regulate consumption and promote efficient water management. He explained that water supply would be dependent on payment through the metering system.
Also speaking, Engineer Olumide Fakoade, one of the project Engineers from the Company, stressed the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding pipes and installation materials, particularly those not yet used.
He warned against acts of vandalism such as pipe bursting and burning, noting that substantial resources have been invested in the project and must be protected.
He further cautioned against any form of collusion between contractors and community members that could jeopardize the progress and success of the project.
During the interactive session, a stakeholder. from Ago-Aduloju, Olusomoka Sunday community raised concerns about access to public water points and the possibility of making them widely available.
The Youth Leader from Ago-Corner, Mr Abdullahi Ajayi
appreciated the state government for informing and involving the community in the process,he pledged the community’s full cooperation and assured that nothing would hinder the successful execution of the project.