A political pressure group, ‘Watchdogs for Good Governance’ has lamented over the state of public water supply in Oyo State.
A statement by its convener, Comrade Ahmed Adeyemo explained that Oyo residents have been abandoned to provide water for themselves, with grave consequences for public health and the environment.
The group also expressed shock that a strategic State Water Reservoir at Agodi, on Old Ife Road, Ibadan, has been allegedly turned into a shopping complex – a move it described as ‘unfortunate.
He said: ‘ Today, lack of clean potable water has forced our people to rely on boreholes. It increases the spread of diseases and inflicts untold hardship,’ the statement said.
According to the group, the Oyo State Water Corporation, established in 1977 from the defunct Western Nigeria Water Corporation, had for decades provided potable water for Ibadan and other major towns, until its gradual destruction under the current administration.
‘What challenges was the Corporation facing that could not be addressed without destroying existing public infrastructure?’ Adeyemo queried.
It warned that the resort to arbitrary and unregulated digging of wells and boreholes by desperate residents poses serious environmental and climatic hazards, including groundwater contamination and land subsidence.
The group contrasted the present situation with previous administrations, which it said invested heavily in water infrastructure.
‘Records show that the administrations of Senator Rashidi Ladoja, now His Imperial Majesty the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and Senator Abiola Ajimobi, embarked on high-profile rehabilitation projects, including the upgrading and expansion of the Asejire and Eleyele Water Treatment Plants, which significantly boosted water production capacity for Ibadan metropolis and environs.
The group vowed that the incoming administration in May 2027 will open the books.
‘Makinde should prepare to answer many questions after handing over to a more progressive government in May 2027.’ The statement concluded.