The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources Engr. Yahaya Farouk has indicted staff of the ministry for collaborating with the host community and some security personnel to vandalised water equipments.

He disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2025 budget defence held at the Kogi State House of Assembly complex in Lokoja.

He lamented the vandalization of water equipment in the State adding that, this is a serious challenge the ministry is facing in providing portable drinking water for the people.

He explained further that some suspects have been arrested in connection to the crime.

His words, ?Despite the presence of security personnel, our equipment are being vandalised and stolen. We can?t rule out the fact that some of our staff are complicit in this crime, it is also done in collaboration with the host community and some security personnel.

?In Idah for instance, a complete chemical room was cleared off. A big Generator meant to power our water plant was also removed.

?The same thing happened in Ankpa. Right now we are in court with some of this vandal who wanted to remove our equipment at Ayegunle Gbede and Lokoja respectively?, he stated.

According to him, the Ministry is already collaborating with traditional rulers, and security agencies for the safety of the agency equipment across the 21 Local Government of Kogi State.

He Identified the shortage of staff, and lack of operational vehicles as some of the challenges the Ministry is facing in the State.

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani in his address noted that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right.

His words, ?It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is protected and promoted for the benefit of our people. In reviewing the 2024 approved estimates, we note that the Ministry and the Agencies in their effort to improve water supply and sanitation services across the state have made significant performance in some of their subheads in the year under review.

?However, we also acknowledge that there are still many under performances of many of their subheads. Therefore, the Committee called for meaningful suggestions that will address these challenges.

?The 2025 draft estimates propose significant investments in water infrastructure, including improving water treatment system, rehabilitation of existing water plants, and expansion of water distribution networks in Lokoja and other major towns in Kogi State.

?Therefore, to actualize these proposals, a good working relationship and effective feedback mechanism between this Committee and the MDAs must be established and maintained. It should be noted that the Committee through its oversight will monitor the implementation of this Budget to ensure compliance with the appropriation law when passed?.

He charged the Ministry to ensure that investments in water resources of the State are prudent, effective, and aligned with the state?s overall development priorities. (Nigerian Tribune)

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