Ekiti State Water Company Engages Communities to Strengthen Ownership of Water Projects

The Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company (EKSWC) has carried out stakeholder engagements in selected communities to promote local ownership and ensure the sustainability of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Programme (SURWASH).

Mr Temitope Agboola, Public Relations Officer of EKSWC and communication lead for SURWASH in the implementation area, led the outreach. He said the project is designed to improve water supply, stimulate economic activity, and urged residents to view the infrastructure as a shared community asset rather than solely government property.

The engagement, part of the state government’s commitment to inclusive development, transparency, and community participation, focused on communities benefiting from the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Ijan Booster Station. The project is expected to serve Ago-Aduloju, Aso-Ayegunle, ABUAD, Knowledge Zone, the Federal Polytechnic, and other neighbouring communities.

Mr Agboola noted that the outreach aimed to improve access to potable water and support economic growth across Ekiti State. He added that Egbe Dam, the main water source in the area, had recently been stabilised with enhanced electricity supply to ensure consistent distribution.

During the engagement, community members were briefed on the scope and objectives of the SURWASH programme and informed of their responsibilities in safeguarding and maintaining the facilities.

“We ask residents to protect and maintain these facilities,” Mr Agboola said. “The project will not disrupt livelihoods, and businesses will continue to operate normally.” He also urged residents not to obstruct contractors during project execution, assuring that any surface damage resulting from installations would be properly restored.

To strengthen collaboration, each benefiting community was instructed to establish a five-member Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) with representatives of men, women, and youth. The committee will serve as a liaison between the government and communities to address concerns during project implementation.

In addition, a Water Consumers Association (WCA) will be formed after project completion to monitor water distribution, oversee maintenance, and promote long-term sustainability. Mr Agboola also stated that water would be provided at a subsidised rate through a prepaid metering system to regulate consumption and promote efficiency.

Speaking at the various forum , Engineer Olumide Fakoade, one of the project engineers, emphasised the need for community vigilance in protecting pipes and other installation materials from vandalism, warning against collusion between contractors and community members that could impede progress.

Residents raised concerns about access to public water points. Community leaders, including Abdullahi Ajayi, youth leader of Ago-Corner, commended the government’s efforts to involve the public and pledged full cooperation to ensure the project’s success.