Aiyedatiwa launches major Ondo water project
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced that the longstanding water scarcity in the state is nearing its end as he flagged off major AFD and AfDB-funded water and sanitation projects at the Owena Dam, Igbara-Oke. Describing the event as the revival of a long-abandoned vision, the governor said the stalled Owena Multipurpose Dam Water Treatment Plant would finally be brought to life after decades of underutilisation.
He explained that the Urban Water Supply Project would rehabilitate the treatment plant, construct new transmission mains to Akure, build 7,500m³ reservoirs and expand distribution networks across urban areas. The AfDB-supported component will also strengthen sanitation systems and extend water access to seven LGAs, ensuring no community is left behind. Aiyedatiwa also launched Water Quality Testing Kits, treatment tablets and solar-powered irrigation pumps to enhance public health and support farmers.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Ayo Adekoya-Benson described the initiative as a decisive break from years of scarcity and failed expectations. He said Akure had not witnessed an intervention of this magnitude in decades, adding that the project covers treatment systems, pipelines, reservoirs and network expansion designed to close long-standing supply gaps.
Project Manager of the African Growth Together Fund (AGTF), Engineer Kehinde Michael, explained that the initiative targets improved water, sanitation and hygiene services in Akure, Ondo City and surrounding communities. He listed the financing contributions AfDB US$142m, AGTF US$20m, Ondo State US$36.9m and the Federal Government US$2.5m and highlighted infrastructure plans including 44.73km of transmission lines, 691.32km of distribution pipelines, new reservoirs, treatment plant rehabilitation and customer metering.
AfDB representative, Dr. Abdul Kamara, described the project as transformative and aligned with the state’s development agenda, noting that improved water access reduces disease burden and boosts the investment climate. After the groundbreaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa toured the dam facilities and laid the foundation for the new office complex and laboratory of the Ondo State Water Corporation in Akure, alongside top government officials and community leaders.
