Water reforms gain momentum in Aiyedatiwa’s first year as governor, says Akande
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Akande has said Ondo State has witnessed significant progress in the water sector within one year of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, attributing the gains to purposeful leadership and strategic investment.
Akande, in a statement marking the governor’s first anniversary in office, noted that the administration has prioritised the rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure and expanded access to potable water across the state.
He described the past year as a period of impactful governance, stressing that access to clean water is gradually being repositioned from a luxury to a basic necessity available to all residents.
According to him, targeted interventions in the sector have begun to yield measurable results, particularly in underserved and hard- to-reach communities where access to safe water has long been a challenge.
“Within this short period, the governor has demonstrated exceptional, people-oriented leadership by focusing on projects that directly improve the living standards of the people,” Akande said.
He added that ongoing efforts to revive ageing water facilities and extend distribution networks are helping to close existing gaps in water supply, while also improving sanitation and public health outcomes.
The commissioner linked the achievements to the administration’s broader development blueprint, “OUR EASE,” which he said is anchored on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Akande expressed optimism that the progress recorded in the last year would be sustained, noting that improved water access remains critical to socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.
He, however, urged residents to support government efforts by protecting public water infrastructure and embracing proper sanitation practices.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to consolidating the gains already made, while intensifying efforts to ensure that more communities across Ondo State have access to safe and reliable water supply.
