Abdulrazaq inaugurates Otte/Budo-Egba waterworks in Kwara

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks in Asa Local Government Area, to expand access to clean and safe water for residents of the region.

The governor said the completion of the 500,000-litre capacity water facility underscores his administration’s commitment to modernising water infrastructure across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration held in Otte town, the governor said: “This is not just about giving our people clean water. The project brings comfort and renewed confidence in the government’s ability to deliver.”

Represented by Abdulrazaq Jiddah, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, the governor explained that his administration’s water agenda was designed to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable access to potable water in all parts of Kwara State.

“Access to clean water improves public health by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. “It also supports education, as children no longer have to spend hours fetching water instead of being in school,” he added.

Governor Abdulrazaq commended the contractors for their professionalism and appreciated the patience and cooperation of residents throughout the project’s execution. He also acknowledged the support of development partners and relevant agencies whose collaboration contributed to the successful completion of the project.

The governor listed other ongoing water rehabilitation projects in the State, including Omu-Aran, Oyun and Sobi Waterworks, reaffirming that access to clean water is a fundamental right of every Kwaran. He pledged continued investment in the water sector to ensure sustainable supply.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Yunus Oniboki; Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade; Chairman of Asa Local Government, Shehu Yahaya Amasa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Shehu Raheem Adaramaja; Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; APC Chieftain, Abdulrahman Giwa; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo (SAN); and the Daudu of Afon, Anafi Balogun.

Oniboki commended the governor for what he described as a landmark achievement that would significantly ease the challenge of water scarcity in Otte and neighbouring communities.

Lade urged residents to take ownership of the facility and protect it against vandalism, noting that the government had invested substantial resources in improving water accessibility and sanitation across the state.

Chairman of Asa LGA, Amasa, expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the project as both “beneficial and gigantic.”

“I know the hardship my people faced searching for water during the dry season. Their suffering has now been alleviated by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We are truly happy and grateful,” he said.

Adaramaja and Alakawa, in their separate remarks, praised the administration for its even spread of developmental projects across the state and pledged the continued support of the people of Asa Local Government.

Adaramaja recalled the community’s years of hardship due to lack of water and thanked the Governor for “coming to their rescue,” while also appealing to the government to help revive the Otte market and other essential infrastructure.