In its drive towards ensuring that all Nigerians, especially people at the grassroots always have access to potable water, WaterAid Nigeria has donated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to residents of Idera and Ita-Oluwo communities in Ikorodu North LCDA in Lagos State.
During the project commissioning and handing-over ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2024, Dr. Adebayo Alao, WaterAid Team Lead, while congratulating the residents for taking ownership of the facilities, also appreciated The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints for providing them financial aids towards making the project a reality.
He said: “In coming days, we are going to be commissioning projects like this in six different locations across Ikorodu North LCDA and this is made possible with their support. They have even promised to do more because we have signed another contract with them, maybe in another one year or less you shall be hearing from them again.
“The only way to appreciate what they have done is for us to make a very good use of these facilities because it will not be good for us to come for inspection after some months and discover that the project is being mismanaged.”
Dr. Alao, who noted that nobody can pay for water but for the production and packaging before it becomes consumable, also appealed to the Community Development Associations in Idera and Ita-Oluwo to help WASHCOM members have an account where they will be dropping a token monthly so as to enable them get money to maintain the facilities.
In his remarks, Niyi Odugbesi, Secretary to Local Government (SLG) and representative of the Executive Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Adeola Adebisi Banjo, appreciated the effort of WaterAid Nigeria for executing WASH Facility projects in Ikorodu North LCDA.
He said: “Out of all the Local Government Areas in Lagos State only two are selected to be beneficiaries of this laudable projects and we are lucky to be one of them and since that time, Ikorodu North LCDA has witnessed numerous projects that have been commissioned by WaterAid Nigeria for the benefit of our people.
“I am appealing to beneficiaries of these facilities to make its maintenance their priority so as to spur WaterAid and partners to do more for the development of Ikorodu North LCDA.”
The SLG, who noted that people at the grassroots are always recalcitrant when it comes to payment of their development levies, however urged residents to pay as and when due so as to enable WASHCOM members have access to funding required for them for the sustainability of the facilities.
Prince Niran Ogunbanwo, CDC Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, in his submission lauded WaterAid Nigeria for its intervention, saying: “I am very delighted seeing what has been put in place for us in Idera and Ita-Oluwo communities. I remember vividly how dilapidated these facilities were before the arrival and intervention of WaterAid and that is why we have set up WASHCOM who are saddled with the responsibilities of always maintaining the facilities.
“So, I am appealing to WASHCOM members to always notify us anytime they have any challenge so that we can work together in maintaining the facilities.”
In his remarks, Oluwarotimi Henry Adenigba, Executive Director, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), said: “This is a welcome development, we want to thank WaterAid and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints for the provision of Public Water Facility for Idera and Ita-Oluwo communities.
“This project will no doubt provide clean and safe water for residents of these communities which will surely prevent further spread of water borne diseases earlier recorded before the intervention and arrival of WaterAid Nigeria in this vicinity.”
Chief Kehinde Alashe, Baale Orimedu Ashekuluyi, while appreciating the facilitator of the projects noted that “the commissioning of Ita-Oluwo Water Facility is a testament to the fact that development is gradually coming into my domain, and we are very grateful to them.
“I have drunk from the water, and I can assure you that it is very safe for drinking for all and sundry,” he confirmed.
Bola Daramola, Councilor representing Odugunyan Ward, assured facilitators of the project that the facilities being handed over to them is in safe hands as residents of the communities will do everything in their capacities in ensuring that the facilities are always in proper shape.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Chief Monsuru Olawale Salako, Baale Ita-Oluwo, and representatives of various CDAs.
By Ajibola Adedoye
