Osun Gets $65m Loan for Water

Government of The State of Osun has revealed that it had secured a $65-million loan from Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to improve water supply in the state.

This was stated during the commemoration of World Water Day in Osogbo at am event that sought to focus attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in developing countries.

Aregbesola, who was represented at the event by the state’s Senior Consultant on Water Resources, Mrs Tawakalitu Williams, said the step was in line with the six-point Integral Action Programme of the state government.

He appealed to the people of the state to ensure efficient utilisation of water, saying the government had concluded plans to boost agriculture through irrigation.

In his words, “Healthy living cannot be achieved without adequate access to potable water supply.

“It is due to this recognition that my administration embarked on rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in urban, small towns and rural areas of the state.

“The state has secured a loan of 65 million dollars from Islamic Development Bank for the construction of water treatment plant, 17km transmission line from Kajola to Ilesa, booster pumping station and three water reservoirs on the hill.

“The state will provide counterpart fund of about 40 million dollars for the construction of water distribution system and sanitation.

“This year’s theme of the World Water Day — “Why Waste water” is also in line with the mandate of the six-point Integral Action Plan of my administration to improve agricultural production to ensure food security in the state.”