Abeokuta – The Ogun State Government has announced plans to integrate advanced technology and internet-based solutions to enhance the production, distribution, and management of clean, quality water for residents.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, disclosed this during an assessment tour of water generation facilities in the state capital.
Otubanjo emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water production through process automation and modernized quality assurance measures. She noted that some existing processes are outdated and require optimization for improved efficiency.
“We need to streamline our process flow to facilitate automation and explore internet-based solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Adopting advanced technology is crucial to modernizing our systems and ensuring sustainable water production,” Otubanjo stated.
Addressing concerns about maintenance and quality assurance, she highlighted the necessity of rigorous testing and monitoring to uphold high water quality standards. Additionally, she underscored the importance of transitioning water consumers from flat and post-paid billing systems to pre-paid meters, a move expected to boost revenue generation and enhance accountability.
“There is a high level of non-revenue water due to customers not receiving adequate supply or failing to pay. The installation of pre-paid meters will ensure that consumers only pay for what they consume, creating a fairer and more efficient system,” she explained.
Otubanjo also revealed plans to deploy sensors and meters to track both the quality and quantity of water produced, enabling accurate revenue estimation. She assured residents of immediate improvements in water distribution and emphasized the need for public collaboration in reporting water-related issues.
“Our response to burst pipes and leakages will be swift, with a 24-hour resolution target. We urge the public to report any issues through our toll-free line (07080601161), and we promise to respond promptly,” she added.
In her remarks, the Consultant to the Governor on Water Resources, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Jaji, noted that water production extends beyond Abeokuta. She listed key water supply schemes across the state, including Papa Water Works (serving Papalanto, Ilaro, and Ifo), Ota 2 (serving Ota), the Ijebu-Ode Yemoji scheme, and the Apoje facility (serving Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye), alongside various borehole projects.
Jaji urged residents to pay their water bills on time and promptly report burst pipes to prevent contamination.
Commending the government’s initiative, the Chairman of Workers’ Estate, Laderin, Abeokuta, Mr. Olatunji Oladapo, praised the administration’s commitment to addressing infrastructural challenges. He expressed optimism that the measures would lead to uninterrupted water supply in the estate.
The assessment tour covered key facilities, including Oke-Temidire Water Reservoir at Abiola Way, Ogun State Water Corporation (old and new schemes) at Arakanga, Alamala booster station, Car Wash booster station, Panseke booster station, Ibara booster station, Abeokuta area office, and the Laderin Borehole scheme.
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