By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has been applauded over his administration’s efforts towards addressing perennial water shortage in the state.
Acting General Manager of the Benue State Water Board, Makurdi, Engr. Daniel Okanche who gave the commendation in an exclusive interview with Daybreak in Makurdi the state capital, maintained that since assumption of office, the board has not lacked materials necessary for provision of portable water to Benue citizens.
Mr Okanche, who described the governor as God’s sent to Benue people, pointed out that, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has put smiles on the faces of Benue people through his people oriented projects, policies and programs. He prayed that God should strengthen him to continue with the developmental milestones.
“The Governor is a person who takes the issue of water seriously. We are ready to support the Governor to enable him achieve more in the water sector for the benefit of the people. The Governor ensures we don’t lack chemicals since I became the Acting General Manager of the board. Gov Alia is God’s sent to people of Benue State.”
The Acting General Manager who Identified lack of finance as the major hiccups bedeviling the progress of the board, appealed to the present government to address the aforesaid challenge to enable the board to be alive to its responsibility of making water available to all and sundry.
He also noted that the underpass project which is under construction has affected water supply in the state, stressing that over 50 water network has been cut off due to the ongoing project. He explained that the board is currently using its tankers to supply water to the affected areas.
“We have issue of maintenance. Once that is done the challenge of water supply will be over. The railway quarters is one of the challenges that we have. We have reduced hours of work . About 50 network has been cut off due to the underpass project which is currently going on in Makurdi town”, he posited.
