A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Olamide Johnson Oni, has disclosed that his constituents are suffering due to inadequate water supply in spite of the availability of two big dams in the area.
Oni, representing Efon, Ekiti West and Ijero local government areas of Ekiti State, disclosed this while moving a motion at the plenary on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The lawmaker further disclosed that Omi dam in Efon Alaaye is currently working below installed capacity.
He added that and Ero dam in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of the state, which occupies 11-kilometre landmass had the capacity to supply the entire state uninterrupted water.
He said:”The two dams are not functioning due to their bad state and this has caused untold hardship to members of the communities. Without mincing words, my people have resorted to fetching water from dirty streams and well water for many years and it has caused a lot of water borne disease.
“As you all are aware, Ekiti is an agrarian state with a large number of peasant farmers who require water for domestic and farming purposes. If the two dams operate optimally, they can supply the needed water in the state.
“If these dams are upgraded to their full capacity, they will enhance the development and sustenance of agricultural practice which is one of the goals of the present administration.”
Consequent upon the motion, the Committees on Water Resources and Appropriation were ordered to ensure the rehabilitation of the two dams within the 2017 fiscal year.