Okpebholo Restores Potable Water to Edo Central Communities ■ Ojirami, Ikpoba River Dams Set for Revamp to Boost Supply Across Edo North and South

The Edo State Government has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to provide clean and sustainable water supply across the State with the successful rehabilitation of the Ugboha Water Supply Scheme in Edo Central.

The project, which has restored full water reticulation to Ugboha and parts of Uromi and Irrua, represents a major step in the State’s efforts to upgrade public utilities and enhance citizens’ quality of life.

During an inspection, the Managing Director of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Mr. Uyi Ekhosuehi, disclosed that for the first time since the scheme’s establishment, Ugboha, the host community, is now enjoying uninterrupted access to safe, treated water.

He noted that years of neglect and the use of substandard materials by a previous contractor had crippled the facility, denying residents the benefits of the multimillion-naira investment.

“Ugboha never benefited from this project when it was first executed. Inferior pipes were used, mixing UPVC with ductile materials, leading to constant leakages. The dam itself also suffered decades of poor maintenance,” Ekhosuehi explained.

“Governor Okpebholo was determined that this project would not be abandoned. He approved a complete turnaround maintenance, delivering a modern fully automated filtration plant, high-pressure pumping systems, and durable ductile pipes designed for large-scale reticulation.”

With Ugboha now connected, the Corporation has begun extension works to cover more parts of Uromi and Uwesan. Ekhosuehi revealed that all necessary pipes and fittings have been delivered, with full connection to be completed soon. The restoration will also extend to Irrua, Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Illeh, and neighboring areas, while plans are underway to reactivate the Ojirami and Ikpoba River dams to strengthen water supply in Edo North and South.

“Our target is clear: within the next five to six years, Governor Okpebholo aims to end water scarcity across Edo State,” he stated. “Work is also ongoing to restore supply to Agbede in Edo North and Sakponba in Edo South. This administration is resolute in ensuring that every Edo citizen, whether urban or rural, has access to safe, affordable water.”

On partial commercialization of the scheme, Ekhosuehi clarified that the initiative is to minimize wastage in urban areas while ensuring free access for rural communities. Urban households with meters will pay a modest tariff of about six hundred naira per thousand litres—far lower than the thirty-five thousand naira previously spent on tanker water.

“This approach has reduced waste and promoted a sense of ownership,” he said. “Meanwhile, rural dwellers fetch water free from designated discharge points.”

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, who joined the inspection, commended the progress made, affirming the governor’s commitment to achieving full reticulation in Edo Central.

“I will brief the governor with detailed recommendations for further action. The progress here is commendable. Hon. Uyi and his team are doing outstanding work,” he remarked.

For Ugboha residents, the impact is immediate. Community members including Mr. Endurance Azobor, Mr. Joshua Ohonsi, and Mrs. Elizabeth Okosun, who previously trekked long distances to unsafe rivers, expressed deep appreciation to the government.

“Before now, we walked far to fetch water from unhealthy streams. Today, water flows close to our homes. Our children and women are happy; the whole community is grateful to Governor Okpebholo and the Water Corporation,” Mr. Azobor said.

Key facilities upgraded in the Ugboha scheme include the treatment and filtration plants, now fully automated; a pumping house equipped with high-pressure systems; and the replacement of faulty UPVC pipes with heavy-duty ductile pipes to ensure durability and reliable service.