Bamidele appeals for completion of Ogbese Dam
By Ayo Fadimu
Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele has appealed to the Federal Government (FG) to hasten the completion of Ogbese Dam in Ekiti, in order to boost the state’s electricity, farming and water supply.
Bamidele made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating a solar-powered borehole at Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.
It was reported that the borehole, which he facilitated, is a FG water intervention programme to commemorate the 2021 World Water Day celebration.
The lawmaker described Ogbese Dam, located between Ikere-Ekiti and Ise-Ekiti, as a multipurpose one that would encourage irrigation farming and hydroelectricity generation, if completed.
Bamidele, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Assistant, Mr Bunmi Oguntuase, said the importance of water to human existence could not be overemphasised.
“The Ogbese Dam project has been lying uncompleted for long. Going by what the experts said, the multipurpose dam can be used for irrigation, water supply and electricity generation.
“The dam can serve more than four local government areas in the Ekiti South Senatorial District.
“The irrigation can make Ekiti achieve food security apart from the capacity to generate megawatts of electricity that can enhance local economy,” Bamidele said.
Emphasising the necessity of water, the senator said that the solar-powered borehole project for his constituents would supply clean water to the residents of Iyin-Ekiti, and ensure their wellbeing.
“It has been said that 70 per cent of the world is covered by water, while 60 per cent of the human body composition is made up of water.
“This underscores the significance of water in our daily lives. It is the duty of everyone to monitor this facility,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Benin-Owena River Basin, Saliu Ahmed, said time has come for Nigerians to start placing high premium on water conservation and management.
According to him, the FG is investing hugely in the development of mini dams around the country to enhance irrigation for all-year-round farming.
The General Manager, Ekiti Water and Sanitation, Ayo Alegbeleye, admonished residents to treat water as a valuable resource, which should not be wasted.
Appreciating the lawmaker, Chief Ayo Adeyefa, who spoke on behalf of the community, said, “Water is life.”
