FOLLOWING the efforts of the Delta State Government to revamp the water scheme in Ogwashi-Uku metropolis, residents of the area have applauded the move.
Those who spoke to Ogwashi-Uku Metro described the effort as the right step in the right direction.
They observed that Ogwashi-Uku has been without water for several decades due to the breakdown of the reservoir.
A leading member of the community, Pa Nwaokocha, said the effort of the state government to revamp the moribund Ogwashi-Uku water reservoir has the potential to eliminate water scarcity in the metropolis.
He noted that the drilling of three new boreholes at the existing water reservoir in Ogbe-Nti Obi, Umudei Quarters, is worth commending.
“I am happy seeing the drilling of the boreholes. It is a clear indication that the perennial scarcity of water normally suffered by our people will soon be a thing of the past.
“Ordinarily, once the dry season starts setting in, the water tankers start gearing up for their usual exploitation of us, the masses.
“But I can tell you that if the government can, and with the speed they are going, complete the project before December this year, it will go a long way to help us residents of Ogwashi-Uku,” he said.
Recall that the water reservoir was constructed during the government of the late Samuel Ogbemudia in the defunct Bendel State.
Sources lamented the failure of successive governments to revive the water scheme, adding that up until the 1980s, it was the major source of water for residents of the community.
Another resident of the community, who identified herself as Comfort and resides in the reservoir area, said they are anxiously waiting for a time when water scarcity will be a thing of the past in the metropolis.
She explained that a lack of water usually constitutes a big challenge to the community during the dry season.
“For the tanker drivers, the dry season is always a time for them to cut their pound of flesh. Arbitrarily, they increase the amount they charge for a tanker of water for no clear reason.
“The best you can hear from them is that the cost of fuel to power their vehicle is high. Therefore, if the state government indeed completes this project before the end of the year, it would lift a heavy burden from our shoulders,” she explained.
