The Kogi Government and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, NIOMCO, Itakpe, have reaffirmed their commitment to rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure to improve potable water supply in host communities.
The commitment was made on Thursday when officials of the state Ministry of Water Resources, visited the NIOMCO office in Itakpe. The Commissioner for Water Resources in Kogi state, Yahaya Farouk, said the visit was aimed at seeking partnership for the resuscitation of the Osara dam and reviving a water supply project initiated between 2020 and 2021 which was later suspended.
Farouk confirmed that all approvals and official correspondences relating to the project remained valid, adding that Gov. Ahmed Ododo was committed to reviving the dam and completing the project.
He said that the project was designed to provide treated water to communities in Adavi, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.
According to him, GAUFF Consultants Nig. Ltd. has been engaged to undertake detailed engineering studies and designs for the project, while similar water schemes are being planned for the other two senatorial districts.
“It is important to stress that the governor remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure across all sectors for the benefit of the people. “So we will ensure that this water project is revitalized,” he said.
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Farouk also expressed concern over the decline in activities at NIOMCO but expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to revive the company would restore economic activities in the area.
Earlier, the Acting Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Isinmidun Loto, acknowledged the ministry’s request and assured the delegation of the company’s willingness to collaborate within the framework of existing approvals and operational capacity.
Loto said supplying potable water to neighboring communities was one of the objectives for establishing the company, noting that its water infrastructure was designed to serve both mining operations and surrounding communities.
He disclosed that about 3,000 cubic metres of water had been allocated for community supply but explained that the company could not increase the volume because the earth dam had lost storage capacity due to years of silt accumulation.
He noted that desilting and rehabilitation of the dam had become necessary to improve its efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Loto also called for clarification on installations observed around the dam to ensure they do not compromise its structural integrity.
NAN
