The Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) has intensified efforts to improve rural water supply and strengthen climate resilience in the state with a high-level inspection of ongoing waterworks rehabilitation in Asa Local Government Area.
The inspection tour, which covered key facilities in Alapa, Otte Oja, and Pampo, focused on evaluating progress, identifying challenges, and refining strategies for optimal delivery of the World Bank–supported rural water project in Kwara.
Speaking during the visit, Commissioner for Environment and Chairperson of the State Steering Committee of ACReSAL Nigeria, Hajia Nafisat Musa-Buge, emphasized that the Kwara waterworks rehabilitation is a community-driven project designed to deliver tangible benefits to residents.
“This project is about the people of Kwara. Our goal is to make sure every intervention whether for clean water, agriculture, or climate adaptation makes a meaningful impact.
“Regular inspections like this help us address bottlenecks and keep the project on track for successful delivery,” she said.
She commended stakeholders for their commitment and urged them to maintain momentum to achieve the state’s climate adaptation and sustainable development goals.
Co-Chairmen of KWACReSAL Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Hon. Yunusa Lade, Commissioner for Water Resources both highlighted the project’s importance for agriculture and water access in Kwara.
“This initiative will significantly improve water availability in rural communities, helping farmers irrigate their fields and ensuring better food security,” said Dr. Alabi.
“Rehabilitating these waterworks shows our commitment to sustainable resource management and climate resilience in semi-arid areas of Nigeria,” Hon. Lade added.
Leading the tour, Engr. (Dr.) Olawumi Hakeem of Xuki International Limited, the contractor handling the waterworks upgrades in Asa LGA, confirmed that work is progressing rapidly.
Current developments include the construction of steel water storage tanks and ten community fetching points to improve access to clean water for households and farms.
“We’re committed to delivering top-quality infrastructure so the benefits are felt immediately by residents,” he assured.
State Project Coordinator Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe stressed the urgency of completing the project without delays.
“Clean water is a basic need that affects health, agriculture, and livelihoods. We must ensure this project is completed on schedule and to the highest standard,” he said.
Community leaders Alhaji Saheed Mohammed (Mogaji Alapa), Mogaji Ayede (Budo-Egba, Otte), and Alhaji AbdulRasaq Oloko (Pampo) expressed deep appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the World Bank, and ACReSAL Nigeria for bringing the project to their communities.
They noted that the rehabilitation would end years of inadequate water supply and improve hygiene, agricultural output, and overall quality of life.
By Dare Akogun
