The Hon. Minister of Water Resources Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu FNSE, FAEng has stated that professionalism has been restored in the execution of projects undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources and it’s Agencies under his leadership.
Speaking at a media briefing with Water Resources Correspondents held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Abuja on 29th March 2022, the Hon. Minister said the Ministry has prioritised the completion of abandoned projects rather than initiate new ones.
According to the Minister, out of a total of 116 inherited projects, 34 have been completed, some were cancelled because they were not viable, while some were handed over to State Governments because they will be better handled by them.
Engr Adamu further said that the high priority projects were about 75 and hopefully by 2023 a total of 45 of those projects would have been completed which would pass the half way mark.
He explained that the prioritising of abandoned projects was aimed at reducing cost and avoiding wastage of scare budgetary provisions.
The Hon. Minister highlighted that some milestones achieved under his watch include the handing over of some irrigated lands to farmers in Kano and Jigawa States, the construction of dams and drainages across the country, and the establishment of PEWASH ( Partnership for Expanding Water Sanitation Hygiene) to support State Governments’ effort in meeting rural water demand.
He revealed that other achievements include the signing of the Open Defecation Free Order by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to make Nigeria Open Defecation Free by 2025, as well as the overall mandate of the Ministry to provide Sustainable Access to Safe and Sufficient Water to meet the cultural and socio- economic needs of all Nigerians in a way that will enhance public health, food security and poverty reduction.
While calling for sustained partnership between State Governors and the Ministry, the Honourable Minister noted that it is the responsibility of Federating Units to provide water facilities while the operation and maintenance should be handled by the State Governments.
The Hon. Minister thanked the media practitioners for their role in accurate Water Resources reportage, and also encouraged them to report from the hitherlands and the rural areas where the largest scope of projects are located.
Funmi Imuetinyan (Mrs)
DD (Overseeing Press and Public Relations Unit)
March 29, 2022.
