In a bold push to tackle the long-standing water crisis in riverine communities, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, and sustainable water to the people of Ilaje.
During a recent inspection of the ₦236 million Molutehin Mini Water Scheme, Poroye declared that no community in Ondo State should still suffer from lack of access to potable water in 2025.
“Access to clean water is not a luxury; it is a right,” he said. “With Governor Aiyedatiwa’s proactive leadership, we will fast-track completion so our people can drink from their own land.”
The water scheme, now at 85% completion, is designed to produce 20,000 gallons of potable water daily using reverse osmosis technology—a solution tailored to combat the area’s brackish water challenge.
Once completed, the project is expected to end decades of water scarcity that have forced residents to source drinking water from neighboring Delta State.
“This project is more than just tanks and pipes,” Poroye added. “It’s about restoring dignity to our people, and ensuring that no child or elder has to rely on imported sachet water ever again.”
Explaining the scope and upgrade of the project, Project Engineer Victor Erukubami noted that the initial ₦82.3 million contract was expanded to include a generator house, additional boreholes, and water reticulation to serve neighboring communities.
Poroye also revealed plans to reform OSOPADEC’s funding structure for faster delivery, citing insufficient mobilization as a recurring obstacle to timely project completion.
“Thirty percent mobilization is not enough,” he said. “We must consider advancing up to 50% to keep contractors on site and ensure seamless execution.”
While also inspecting other ongoing projects in the area, Poroye underscored that the water initiative exemplifies the Commission’s people-first approach to development.
“We’re not just laying pipes—we’re laying the foundation for health, progress, and peace of mind,” he said.
The Molutehin Mini Water Scheme is expected to be commissioned shortly by governor Aiyedatiwa, bringing long-awaited relief and renewed hope to thousands across the Ilaje region.
Poroye also inspected a ₦1.7 billion, 1,000-meter concrete walkway in Obe-nla.
The Obe-nla concrete walkway, a first-of-its-kind in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs, replaces the community’s old wooden bridge with a modern, flood-resistant, reinforced path.
Awarded by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in 2024, the project has already become a point of pride for the people.
“This is not just a walkway, it’s a lifeline. It connects communities, eases movement, and shows what’s possible when leadership and vision meet. If replicated across our riverine belt, in five years we can link all communities with this standard infrastructure”.
The Chairman commended contractor Dolban Technical Ltd. and consultant Riyadh International Ltd. for delivering quality without cutting corners, urging other agencies like the NDDC to adopt the walkway as a regional master plan.
With the contractor promising completion within 60 days, Poroye announced his intention to invite the Governor for commissioning.
