Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State Government has charged the State Water Corporation (OGSWC), to be creative on ways of achieving commercial viability, in order to strengthen its operation and make it more efficient in the distribution of water to the nooks and crannies of the State.
Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Project Management Support (PMS) and the Agence Francaise de-Development (AFD) in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, revealed that for it to operate at optimal level, the State’s Water Corporation should adopt cross subsidisation, leveraging on the industrial and commercial areas across the State, assuring the Corporation of more government support.
Okubadejo disclosed that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun was passionate about smooth running of water across the State, and would not rest on his oars at achieving the government’s objectives, as demonstrated in the level of support accorded Donor Agencies and Development Partners, appreciating AFD for its intervention and support towards the State’s Water Corporation.
Speaking earlier, the Team leader of AFD, Famy Nesen, expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation of its various intervention and support by the OGSWC as evidenced by solid infrastructure, innovations and personnel, advising the Corporation not to lower the standard of implementation, as this would determine the level of future support from the Agency.
Also speaking, Engr. Kazim Nafiu from the Federal Ministry of Finance counselled the State to stick with the terms and conditions of its intervention, applauding the State for the strides.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager, OGSWC, Engr. Oluseye Maku appreciated the government and AFD for the collaboration, which he said has enhanced the Corporation’s capacity, noting that it was working towards achieving a sustainable tariff for water consumers in the State.