FG launches N18.9b water supply project in Benue

The Federal Government has officially commenced the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project in Benue State.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday at the Gboko Water Treatment Plant in Ameladu, marking a significant step toward improving access to clean water in the region.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced that the project had been awarded a contract worth N18.9 billion.

Prof. Utsev reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens by providing essential infrastructure, stating that the water project is a “critical initiative that will provide clean and safe drinking water to the people of Buruku, Gboko, and their environs.”

According to the minister, the Federal Government’s intervention in rehabilitating and upgrading water supply systems is aimed at accelerating access to potable water nationwide in line with both national and international targets. He further highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, emphasizing that it would “create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens.”

Prof. Utsev credited the approval of the Federal Executive Council, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for making the project possible, saying: “The Rehabilitation and Upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme in Benue State is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and providing them with essential amenities in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The minister noted that the project would directly benefit over 506,000 residents in Benue State by enhancing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

He urged the contractor to ensure the project is delivered effectively and on schedule, stating: “I call on the contractor to work diligently and complete this project on time to ensure maximum value for the efforts, time, and resources invested in it.”

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy Sam Ode, commended the Federal Government for reviving the project, which had been abandoned for decades. He described it as “a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians.”