Residents of Otte and Budo-Egba in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, erupted in excitement on Monday as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commissioned the newly rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks — a major step towards improving access to safe and clean water across the state.
The 500,000-litre water facility, now fully operational, symbolises the administration’s wider vision to modernise water infrastructure and ensure that every Kwaran enjoys access to potable water.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Otte town, the Governor — represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah — said the project reflects his government’s commitment to improving public health, education, and quality of life.
He noted that the project was not just about providing clean water but also about restoring confidence in the government’s ability to deliver meaningful infrastructure. “Access to clean water improves public health by reducing waterborne diseases and allows children to spend more time in school rather than trekking long distances to fetch water,” he said.
AbdulRazaq commended the contractors for their professionalism and praised residents of Otte and neighbouring communities for their patience and cooperation throughout the rehabilitation process. He also acknowledged the support of development partners and agencies that contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The Governor disclosed that several other major waterworks — including those in Omu-Aran, Oyun, and Sobi — are undergoing rehabilitation as part of his administration’s comprehensive strategy to overhaul the state’s water infrastructure.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Hon Yunus Oniboki; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Usman Yunusa Lade; Chairman of Asa Local Government, Alhaji Shehu Yayaha Amasa; and several other senior government officials and community leaders.
Hon Oniboki described the project as a timely intervention that would alleviate water scarcity in the area, while Hon Lade urged residents to protect the facility from vandalism and misuse.
Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Amasa, expressed gratitude to the Governor, recalling the hardship residents previously endured in sourcing water during dry seasons. “Our fears have been eased and our needs addressed through this intervention,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in clean water access, describing it as a fundamental right of every citizen.
