The report, published on April 19, 2024, revealed the political intrigues and lack of will that stalled the completion of the project.
By Alaba Adeyemi
Following an investigation by TheInvestigator titled “Despite Spending N5 Billion, 16 Years Later Owena Multipurpose Dam Remains Uncompleted”, the Ondo State Government has begun the process of continuing the project.
The report, published on April 19, 2024, revealed the political intrigues and lack of will that stalled the completion of the project.
The project, which is expected to provide potable water to six local government areas in Ondo State, was initially awarded to S.C.C. Construction Limited by the Olusegun Agagu-led government. It was abandoned before the Akeredolu-led government recommenced it after securing funding worth $169 million from the French African Development Bank. The local governments are Akure South, Akure North, Ondo West, Ondo East, Idanre, and Ifedore.
According to a report on the Ondo State Government website, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa has ordered that the project be completed.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has ordered all relevant government agencies to introduce necessary measures and expertise for the provision of potable water from the facility, and many others in the State, within the shortest period of time.
“The construction of Owena Multipurpose Dam, with its 36-million-cube reservoir capacity, began in November 1998, was completed in 2014, and was put to the test. Ever since then, efforts have been ongoing to ensure that the facility is in full operation.”
In a statement credited to the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation in Ondo State, Sunday Akinwalere, by the state-owned The Hope Newspaper, the incumbent governor and his partners have concluded plans to complete the project.
“Our late Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had it in mind to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion but was called to glory. The incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was part of that administration, deemed it fit to continue from where his predecessor stopped.”
On the state of things, he revealed that “I travelled to Abuja to meet with our foreign partners, the African Development Bank and the French Development Bank. A lot of things are going on internally, but we will begin to award the contract now. The reservoir is going to be refurbished.”
A billboard announcing the recommencement of the project has also been erected in front of the Office of the Ondo State Water Corporation at NEPA roundabout, Akure.
Read the investigation below: