We have not had water since I moved into this community, this is more than 10 years. It has been a struggle, to get water daily. I need water for everything. My shop, my children, my business, everything. I have to climb a hill every day just to get water. This has weakened my knees. How old am I? I now have to outsource and pay people to fetch water for me from my little earnings. Remember that I still have to pay 500/600 naira daily for two kegs of water. It is a real problem. Not having access to potable water has brought immense suffering to me and everyone in this community.” – Barakat; Resident at Bere, Ibadan.
On the 1st of March 2024, our team set out on a survey mission to Ibadan – Oyo state to lay out the groundwork for the resuscitation of potable water supply in the city of Ibadan.
It is apparent that water is not only a resource to be used. It is a human right, essential to every aspect of life. Everyone should have access to quality water. How distressful it was to discover that different communities within Ibadan, lack access to quality potable water, resulting in economic upheaval, price hike of products, low quality of life, waterborne diseases, and a general decline in citizens’ wellbeing.
This necessitates the intervention of SGE Initiative, working hand in hand with Water Corporation – Ibadan, to ensure adequate water supply for residents of Ibadan, Oyo state.
This intervention began with an interview with the Chairman; of Water Corporation Oyo State (WCOS), and directors within the corporation who enlightened us on the workings within WCOS, its departments, their various functions, and crucial sources of water supply in Ibadan, namely: Asejire and Eleyele Dams.
Mrs. Shotonwa Roagess Oluyinka, Director; of Quality Control, explained that when water is available, its quality is certain to be at its best as the Corporation has officials who monitor pipe leaks/bursts, and the transfer of water to households.
Mrs. Adegbenro Tokunbo Mabel, Director; of Commercial and Customer Care Services, also reassured us of a designated call line created for citizens to report pipe bursts in their environments or households.
Our survey progressed with a visit to the Asejire dam, which Gen. Gowon began to build within 1950 – 1960. Commissioned on November 17, 1972, with a capacity of 32 million cubic metres of water, and a depth of 29.7 metres, the dam also turns over a total of 186 million litres of water per day, if work is done at full capacity.
Asejire as a source, feeds several reservoirs and booster stations namely Osegere, Agodi, Bashorun, Government House, Odogbo, Oke-Ado, Bere, Mokola, and Oke-Itunu. From our tour, we discovered the major challenges or factors contributing to low output at Asejire station, mainly faulty alum pumps and poor electricity supply, as Asejire waterworks is 100% reliant on the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, (PHCN).
We proceeded to inspect Eleyele dam, which was commissioned in 1948, has a capacity of 129 million litres, and is capable of providing 27 million litres of water daily. From Eleyele, water travels by gravity to Mokola Booster station > UI >Sango >Ojo > Mokola underbridge > Dugbe > Apata.
Noting the pivotal role of Asejire Dam in flood control, industrial development, and water production for the masses of Ibadan, we also concluded that the equipment at both dams is aged, faulty, and is better replaced than repaired. Challenges such as faulty pumps and erratic electricity supply hinder their potential, thus underscoring the pressing need for significant upgrades to optimize productivity.
To address these issues effectively, we are currently working with international and local stakeholders, to implement a nature-based solution to deliver potable water to the residents of Oyo State, starting with a first phase targeting 500,000 residents in Ibadan which will begin by the end of March 2024. We are advocating for proactive maintenance strategies and strategic investments in energy and modern equipment for both dams, reservoirs, booster stations, and distribution networks.
As we reflect on our mission, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering sustainable development in the environment, and within Oyo State’s water infrastructure, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing efforts to enhance water accessibility and quality in Ibadan – Oyo state.
