The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to residents and contractors operating within the state against damaging water infrastructure, emphasizing that individuals responsible for such destruction will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, in a statement on behalf of the Ogun State Water Corporation (OSWC), decried the increasing incidents of deliberate damage to essential water infrastructure.
She accused some contractors of destroying pipelines during road construction without making efforts to repair or replace them.
According to Otubanjo, the corporation is already grappling with aged and deteriorating facilities due to years of neglect by previous administrations.
While efforts are being made to rehabilitate and upgrade these systems to improve water supply, she lamented that these strides are being hampered by repeated destruction of water pipelines.
“As we are fully committed to rehabilitating and upgrading our water supply networks, one pipe at a time, our efforts to enhance the water sector and ensure the provision of potable water to the citizens of Ogun State are being greatly hampered by the insensitive activities of road contractors.
“These contractors, driven solely by the urgency of road construction, frequently damage our underground pipeline networks with little regard for the consequences of their actions,” she stated.
She highlighted the grave consequences of these damages, stating that they have contributed to a rise in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), increased operational costs, and a decline in service efficiency.
Otubanjo further explained that the destruction of pipelines leads to massive water wastage, as treated water is lost due to bursts and leaks. The frequent damage also results in escalating repair costs, diverting funds that should be used for infrastructure upgrades.
She warned that broken pipes expose water to external contaminants, creating serious health risks for residents. The repeated destruction also causes disruptions in water supply, leaving many communities without access to clean drinking water, while financial losses continue to mount due to wasted resources and uncollected water revenue.
She added that such damages tarnish the reputation of OSWC, creating a false perception of negligence and eroding public trust.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy against infrastructure damage, the Ogun State Water Corporation stated that offenders will be held accountable, adding that it will enforce stricter collaboration between OSWC and road construction firms to ensure pre-construction assessments of water pipelines.
Additionally, the corporation revealed plans to strengthen monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to swiftly address incidents of damage, alongside enhancing public awareness.
“The OSWC remains resolute in its commitment to improving water supply across Ogun State. However, these efforts must be supported by responsible practices from all stakeholders, particularly construction companies and contractors. We call on all relevant authorities, agencies, and the general public to join us in preserving and protecting our water assets for the benefit of all,” the statement continued.
“We urge road contractors and all stakeholders to act with a sense of responsibility and prioritize infrastructure protection as a fundamental aspect of their operations. Any deliberate or negligent act that compromises our water distribution network will be met with decisive action,” the corporation warned.
