The state of Osun House of Assembly has assured the state rural water and Environmental sanitation agency (RUWESA) of adequate support in its drive to make life better for people in the rural communities.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye stated this while presiding over the interactive meeting of the House Committee on Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs and Officials of RUWESA at the State House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.
Adegboye stated that the purpose of the meeting was to intimate the parliament on the activities of the State Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA).
In his remarks, the deputy speaker appreciated the effort of the agency as he noted the past and present initiatives of the agency at making life better for the people, particularly in the rural communities.
He acknowledged the policies put in place for the execution of projects as he urged the lawmakers to give them time to fulfill their promises.
However, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Debo Akanbi stated that the lawmakers require explanation on the activities of the agency, saying it will enable the legislators to transmit relevant information about government projects to the people in various constituencies in the state.
According to him, “We are so much concerned with the grassroots, to make provision for potable water for their use”.
He noted the recent meetings between RUWESA and UNICEF in respect of projects to be executed in some Local Government in the State and also described the payment of N256 million counterpart funds as a good gesture by the state government of Osun.
He said, “The Federal Government just released the sum of N250 million for the provision of water in the state. We are highly impressed and believed that within six months the project will commence”, he added.
In their separate contributions, members of the committee demanded for more explanation on the maintenance policy put in place to ensure the sustenance of the projects, as well as the expectations of other local governments in respect of projects associated with counterpart funding.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor on Water Rural and Environmental Sanitation, Mr Babatunde Ibirogba explained the activities of the agency with regards to its impact in rural areas in the state.
Ibirogba enumerated projects to be constructed in three local government areas which include Odo-Otin, Ayedaade and Ifedayo.
He said hand-pump well and solar motorised pump are to be provided in the three local government areas in the State.
He added that the agency would inaugurate sensitisation and monitoring committees in the affected communities to monitor the project.
