Benue Water scarcity:
Alia Approves Debt Payment to Rehabilitate Otukpo/Otobi greater Water Works
By Samuel Igbetua – Makurdi
Worried by the lingering water scarcity in Benue state, Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved a 10 years old debt payments owed the Chinese company; CGC to complete the Otukpo/Otobi greater water works to address the menace .
The Chinese company and other sub contractors had abandoned the project on account of non payments by the government, a development that worsened the water crisis in the agrarian communities.
The actual debt is yet to be computed but inside sources said the amount has risen astronomically on account of contract variation and rampaging inflation.
The greater Otukpo/Otobi water works was flagged off by President Good luck Jonathan but was abandoned shortly after he left office in 2015.
The project is a federal government initiative but with counterpart funding by the Benue state government to address the perennial water crisis in Benue and environs.
Benue state commissioner for Water Resources , Environment and Climate change Mr. Odo Ugwu confirmed that Governor Alia has approved the payment of a 10-year-old debt to CGC, the Chinese company for completion of the Otukpo/Otobi Water Works.
He said the governor has directed the rehabilitation of the facility to restore water supply to Otobi, Otukpo, and environs to end years of water scarcity.
His ministry, he pointed out is working out the modalities to ascertain the actual amount owed the contractors so ” we can mobilise them back to site”.
He expressed optimism that the water crisis in Benue would ease off on completion of the project .
Ends.
