By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state government is set to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WaterAid, to facilitate its mission of transforming lives, improve access to potable water, sanitation and hygiene as an essential step out of poverty.
The Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation, Mr Elias Adeojo gave the hint, over the weekend shortly after a meeting with the representatives of WaterAid Nigeria, led by the Acting Director of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Alao Adebayo.
Adeojo said the signing of the MoU, would signify a partnership that would provide a better way of managing water resources in the state.
He added that the laudable and purposeful development in Oyo state by the present administration cannot be quantified, saying it would continue to attract partnerships from well-meaning organizations across the globe.
He however regretted that almost all the schemes of the Corporation are being bedeviled by epileptic power supply, with few working at lower capacities.
He added that despite the economic doldrums in the country, the state government is leaving no stone unturned to provide potable water to residents of the state.
He therefore enjoined the organization to render its support to the Corporation in which capacity it deemed fit in order to bring back the glory of the schemes.
In his response, WaterAid Nigeria representative, Mr. Alao Adebayo noted that the agency was committed to supporting Oyo state towards ensuring that residents had access to good water.
He said the MoU was expected to improve the capacity of the Oyo State Water Corporation.
Mr. Adebayo Alao expressed the readiness of Water AID Africa to assist in boosting water supply to Oyo state as a whole, noting that the organization usually undertakes Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects which the Water Corporation of Oyo State qualifies to enjoy.
He recalled that the Lagos State government has also benefited from the laudable support of the organization in recent time, promising to hasten the support to the Corporation after necessary steps and paperwork have been sorted out.
