By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ukhodiko Jonathan Ajirioghe, has commended the quality and progress of work on the ongoing rehabilitation of the Otor-Owhe water reticulation system in Delta State, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring sustainable access to clean water across Isoko communities.
Hon. Ajirioghe, who undertook an inspection visit to the project site earlier today, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the contracting firm handling the project, describing it as “tremendously impressive and technically sound.”
He explained that the Otor-Owhe Overhead Concrete Reservoir, with a capacity of 270 cubic metres, was originally constructed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a sub-regional water scheme designed to serve multiple catchment communities within the Owhe axis. However, its dependence on erratic public electricity and diesel-powered generators over the years had resulted in irregular water supply, high operational costs, and general inefficiency.
“Arising from these challenges, and following appeals from concerned constituents, we conceptualised a major upgrade during the preparation of the 2025 budget,” Ajirioghe stated.
He disclosed that the ongoing rehabilitation works include the drilling of additional boreholes, the installation of hybrid solar-powered submersible pumps to guarantee uninterrupted water supply, and the replacement of obsolete asbestos cement pipes with modern, hydraulically modelled pipelines that conform to current engineering and safety standards.
According to him, “The water project is particularly dear to me because, while growing up as a young boy, this facility supplied water to the entire Owhe clan, including my own Erawha community and even Emevor. It is therefore fulfilling to see it being revived to serve our people once again.”
Hon. Ajirioghe reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all Owhe communities originally connected to the system are reconnected before the end of his tenure. He further assured that additional communities would be captured in subsequent budget cycles.
“I am also aware of another facility like this in Ozoro, and plans are underway to reactivate it so that the surrounding communities can equally benefit from reliable and clean water supply,” he added.
The lawmaker commended both the contractor and the supervising engineer for their professionalism and adherence to design specifications, expressing confidence that the project, when completed, would deliver sustainable and dependable access to potable water for residents of Otor-Owhe and neighbouring communities.
He also expressed optimism that the full implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act would enable the execution of several other transformative projects across the constituency, aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the people.