The extent of collateral damage in Kogi State is becoming increasingly evident, particularly with the N10.5 billion water treatment plant that was completely submerged during the flood that affected parts of the state last October. The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumin Danga, expressed his shock at the level of damage inflicted on the pumping and water treatment machinery, which remained underwater for approximately three weeks. He indicated that most of the equipment has been damaged beyond repair and will require complete replacement.
In response to inquiries about the severe water scarcity that has plagued the capital since last October, Danga revealed that the state government has ordered replacements for the damaged machines from the original manufacturer and is expecting delivery soon. As a temporary solution, the government has conducted repairs at the Old Lokoja Water Works to supply water to some areas of the state. According to Danga, the old water works are currently providing water to nearby communities, including Kabawa, Karaworo, Ipata, Cantonment, Maigari Palace, and other traditional areas within the confluence city.
Danga has held personal meetings with various leaders, groups, and residents, urging them to be patient during this challenging time. He emphasized that the situation has never been this dire since the inception of the current administration. “I believe in the next two weeks, the equipment will arrive, and it will take about four to five days to install them, after which water will be restored to the metropolis,” he stated. He appealed to residents to remain patient, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to ensure water availability across the confluence city as quickly as possible. The commissioner clarified that the water scarcity issue is a result of a natural disaster and not a failure on the part of the state government.
The water treatment plant, originally constructed during the administration of Governor Ibrahim Idris, includes a purification treatment facility, a high pool tank A with a storage capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, a high pool tank B with a capacity of 3,000 cubic meters, a compressor station, and over 20 kilometers of ductile pipe, most of which have been damaged due to the flooding.
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