Road projects, not failed water scheme, caused Abeokuta water disruptions – Ogun govt
Ogun State Water Corporation Addresses Water Supply Disruptions
The Ogun State Water Corporation (OGSWC) has linked ongoing disruptions in pipe-borne water supply in parts of Abeokuta to damage sustained by water distribution pipelines during road construction and urban renewal projects conducted by the previous administration. The Corporation refuted claims that the Ogun Urban Water Supply Project, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), has failed to meet its goals.
In a statement issued by Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Water Resources, the Corporation responded to a July 3, 2026, report by BusinessDay titled “Despite N13bn Investments, Pipe-Borne Water Still Luxury in Ogun Capital.”
While acknowledging that some residents of Abeokuta continue to experience irregular water supply, the OGSWC emphasized that the report did not adequately reflect the broader context of the AFD-funded intervention.
The Ogun Urban Water Supply Project, which represents the only AFD-supported water infrastructure initiative in the state, was implemented from March 2015 to December 2023. The project, backed by a $33.75 million fund administered by the Federal Government, significantly enhanced the state’s water infrastructure.
Improvements included the rehabilitation and expansion of the Abeokuta Water Treatment Plant, the construction of a 14.5-million-litre ground reservoir at Oke-Temidire, installation of new transmission pipelines, expansion of the distribution network, and the procurement of 6,000 water meters.
The Corporation reported that the project increased the treatment capacity of the Abeokuta Water Scheme from 25 million litres per day to 82 million litres, with plans for further expansion to 162 million litres. Additionally, over 250 kilometres of distribution pipelines and more than 5,000 new customer connections were established throughout the state capital.
Improvements to the barrage gates have reportedly enhanced water supply reliability by 85 percent, reduced leakages, and improved operational efficiency. The OGSWC also noted that institutional reforms under the project have reduced customer complaint response times from five days to 24 hours.
Currently, the Corporation serves more than 13,000 customers across Ogun State, including over 7,000 connected through the AFD-funded network in Abeokuta. Additionally, functional public water schemes are operational in Ago-Iwoye, Sagamu, and Ilaro.
The OGSWC stated that the water supply issues in parts of Abeokuta North and South stem primarily from pipeline damage due to extensive roadwork undertaken by the previous administration, rather than deficiencies in the AFD project.
Efforts to reconnect affected communities are ongoing as new transmission mains are rolled out, with areas such as Lakesin already restored thanks to the newly constructed Temidire reservoir network.
Since January 2025, the Corporation has repaired over 800 leaks, installed more than 1,200 additional water meters, and revived dormant water schemes in several communities. Additionally, a WhatsApp-based customer complaint resolution platform has been introduced.
These initiatives have reportedly improved water quality compliance, reduced illegal connections, and increased customer satisfaction across the state’s water supply system.
The OGSWC also clarified that the N450 million allocated in the 2024 Federal Ministry of Water Resources budget for the desilting of the Arakanga Water Reservoir is a separate federal initiative and unrelated to the AFD-funded project. The Corporation noted that the funds have not yet been released, and the desilting project has yet to commence.
In conclusion, the OGSWC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to potable water across Ogun State, asserting that the AFD-funded Ogun Urban Water Supply Project has been fully completed and has delivered measurable improvements in various aspects of water management. The Corporation stressed that current supply disruptions are temporary issues stemming from pipeline damage and do not signify a failure of the project.
