The Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company (EKSWC) has held a series of stakeholder engagement meetings across selected beneficiary communities to deepen community ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Program (SURWASH) in Ekiti State.
The engagements underscore the state government’s commitment to inclusive development, transparency, and community-driven participation in infrastructure delivery aimed at expanding access to potable water and stimulating economic growth statewide.
Communities engaged beneficiaries of the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Ijan Booster Station, a project expected to enhance water supply to Ago-Aduloju, Aso-Ayegunle, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, the Knowledge Zone, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, and other surrounding communities.
The primary water source, Egbe Dam, has recently been stabilized, supported by improved electricity supply to guarantee reliable and consistent water distribution across the axis.
Addressing stakeholders, Mr. Temitope Agboola, Public Relations Officer of EKSWC and Communications Officer for SURWASH in the Implementation Area, explained that the engagement is a key requirement for effective project delivery. He noted that the initiative will significantly improve water access while boosting economic activities in the benefiting communities.
Mr. Agboola urged residents to regard the facilities as shared community assets rather than government property, emphasizing collective ownership, protection, and proper maintenance. He assured participants that project execution would not disrupt livelihoods and that businesses would continue to operate alongside construction activities.
He also appealed to community members to cooperate fully with contractors, assuring them of professionalism, adherence to work ethics, and prompt restoration of any surfaces affected during installation.
To strengthen collaboration and communication, Mr. Agboola directed each beneficiary community to constitute a five-member Grievance Redress Committee (GRC)—comprising men, women, and youth representatives—to serve as a liaison between the communities and the government for addressing complaints and resolving issues during implementation.
He further disclosed that a Water Consumers Association (WCA) would be established upon project completion to oversee water distribution, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the facilities. Regular engagements and capacity support will be provided to committee members to ensure effective performance.
Clarifying the service model, Mr. Agboola stated that water supply would be provided at a subsidized rate and managed through a prepaid metering system to regulate consumption and promote efficient water use, with supply contingent on payment via the meters.
Also speaking, Engineer Olumide Fakoade, a project engineer with EKSWC, stressed the need for community vigilance to safeguard pipes and installation materials, particularly those yet to be deployed. He warned against vandalism and any form of collusion that could undermine project success, noting the significant investment committed to the scheme.
During the interactive session, a stakeholder from Ago-Aduloju, Mr. Olusomoka Sunday, raised concerns about access to public water points and the need for wider coverage. Responding, officials assured stakeholders that feedback would be considered within project scope and operational plans.
Meanwhile, the Youth Leader of Ago-Corner, Mr. Abdullahi Ajayi, commended the state government for engaging and informing the communities, pledging full cooperation and assuring that the project would be executed without hindrance.