FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing clean, sustainable water access across the region. The State Government has successfully completed a comprehensive overhaul of the Ugboha Water Supply Scheme in Edo Central, marking a major step toward enhancing public utilities and improving residents’ quality of life.
The rehabilitation effort has resulted in the full restoration of water reticulation to Ugboha and parts of Uromi and Irrua. This development is the culmination of persistent efforts to address decades of neglect and infrastructural deficiencies that hampered the scheme’s operation.
During an Inspection tour of the Project site, August 21st, 2025, Mr. Uyi Ekhosuehi, Managing Director of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, announced that Ugboha, the host Community, now enjoys uninterrupted access to safe, treated water—a feat not achieved since the scheme’s inception.
He explained that previous contractors had used substandard materials, including a problematic mix of UPVC and ductile pipes, which led to frequent leakages and system failures. Additionally, the dam had suffered years of poor maintenance, further crippling the water supply system.
“In response, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration mandated a complete turnaround maintenance of the scheme. We have installed a new fully automated filtration plant, high-pressure pumping systems, and durable ductile industrial pipes designed to withstand operational demands,” Ekhosuehi stated. “This ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Ugboha and surrounding communities.”
Beyond Ugboha, the Corporation has commenced extension works to connect other parts of Uromi and Uwesan, with all necessary pipes and fittings already delivered. Full connections are expected within the coming weeks. Plans are also underway to restore water supplies to Irrua, Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Illeh, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, design work is ongoing to reactivate the Ojirami and Ikpoba River dams, critical infrastructure for strengthening water supply across both Edo North and Edo South.
“Our goal is ambitious but achievable: within the next five to six years, Governor Okpebholo intends to end the water scarcity challenges across Edo State,” Ekhosuehi affirmed. “We are also working on restoring water access to Agbede in Edo North and Sakponba in Edo South. The administration remains committed to ensuring every Edo citizen—urban or rural—has reliable access to safe, affordable water.”
Regarding the partial commercialization of the water scheme, Ekhosuehi clarified that the initiative aims to reduce wastage in urban areas while maintaining free access for rural communities. Urban households equipped with meters will pay a modest tariff of approximately six hundred naira per thousand liters—a stark contrast to the previous cost of up to thirty-five thousand naira paid for tanker supplies. Rural residents, however, will continue to access water free of charge from designated points.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, who participated in the Project Inspection, expressed satisfaction with the progress and reiterated the Government’s determination to extend full reticulation across Edo Central.
“I will prepare a detailed report with recommendations for immediate action,” he said. “What we have seen here is commendable. Hon. Uyi and his team are doing an outstanding job.”
The impact on local residents such as Mr. Endurance Azobor, Mr. Joshua Ohonsi, and Mrs. Elizabeth Okosun is already evident. They, who previously relied on distant rivers for water, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the government’s efforts.
“Before now, we had to trek long distances to fetch unsafe water. Today, clean water flows right outside our homes. Our children and women are happier, and the entire community is thankful to Governor Okpebholo and the Water Corporation,” said Mr. Azobor.
Key facilities involved in the overhaul include the fully automated treatment and filtration plants, high-pressure pumping stations, and the replacement of aging UPVC pipes with heavy-duty ductile industrial pipes, ensuring durability and operational reliability.
This strategic intervention underscores Edo State’s resolve to deliver sustainable, equitable water services to all its residents, fostering healthier Communities and economic growth across the region.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
August 23rd, 2025.
