Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the federal government to expedite action on the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project, saying it would enhance the development of 17 communities in the state.
The governor made the appeal while receiving the managing director and chief executive officer of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Femi Adekanbi and his team at the Government House, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori urged the River Basin Authority to prioritise the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, expressing the optimism that the project could be completed by October. He noted that its completion would resolve the long-standing water supply problems in Ogwashi-Uku and 16 other surrounding communities.
He emphasised its crucial economic impact on local communities and the success of an ongoing Agro-Industrial Park in the area.
“We have a major Agro-Industrial Park project in the area and the dam is critical to its success,” he stated.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development, highlighting the recent approval for the establishment of water sanitation departments across all 25 local government areas of the state.
On other issues raised by the Authority, including local employment and the Ute-Okpu water challenge, the governor assured that the concerns would be thoroughly considered.
Governor Oborevwori also praised the Authority for its local garri production initiative and encouraged its expansion to benefit rural communities. “We will support you to succeed, because your success is our success,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr Adekanbi clarified that the structural aspect of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam has been completed while the water reticulation phase remains outstanding.
He said, when completed, the dam would serve Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili North and Oshimili South local government areas.
He revealed that the Authority had launched a partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to train youths in commercial rice production and other agribusinesses to empower them for self-reliance.
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