Ododo Moves To End Lokoja Water Crisis, Begins Rehabilitation Of Water Works

The Kogi State Government has handed over the Greater Lokoja Water Works to Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, for emergency electromechanical rehabilitation, in a move to address the persistent water crisis in Lokoja metropolis.

The handover ceremony, held on Monday, was performed by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk, who said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had approved the emergency repairs and awarded the contract to the indigenous company.

Farouk described Gamji Nigeria Company Limited as a reputable firm with a proven track record in the rehabilitation of major water facilities across the country.

The commissioner charged the contractor to complete the project within four months to restore potable water supply to residents of the state capital.

He described Ododo as a promise keeper who prioritises the welfare of the people, particularly access to potable water, adding that the commencement of work at the facility marked a significant step towards ending the water crisis in Lokoja.

According to him, the people have remained patient despite the challenges, while the governor has demonstrated commitment to addressing their needs through the approval of the emergency rehabilitation project.

Farouk said the four-month completion deadline was December 24, 2026, expressing optimism that the high-lift station would be operational by midnight of that day to enable test-running and the pumping of water to Ganaja and Tank A.

He also urged the management of the Greater Lokoja Water Works to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure smooth execution and timely completion of the project.

Responding, the representative of Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, Engr. Michael Oko, thanked the state government for awarding the contract to the company and assured that it would deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Oko said the company was committed to completing the rehabilitation works to facilitate the restoration of potable water supply to residents of Lokoja metropolis.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Alhassan Omakoji, and the General Manager of the Kogi State Water Board, Engr. Lawal Momohjimoh, described the handover as a dream come true.

They commended the Ododo administration for prioritising the welfare of the people and expressed optimism that the rehabilitation of the facility would bring relief to residents who have endured prolonged water supply challenges.