Ekiti State is to benefit from European Union (EU) fund for Water and Sanitation by mid-2013.
The Head of the Rural and Social Development of the E. U, Mr. Klaus Gautsch stated this in a meeting with the Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr. Kayode Jegede in Ado Ekiti.
The Water Supply/Sanitation Sector Reform Programme (WSSSRP) III was approved for Adamawa, Ekiti and Plateau States recently.
Mr. Gautsch explained that his team were in the state to familiarise with the reforms made so far by the state government in the water and sanitation sector.
Emphasising that their focus is provision of water in small towns and rural communities, the Head of the EU team assured that the E.U. will also provide technical support and build the capacity of the workforce in the relevant sector.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr. Kayode Jegede said the state government had started the turnaround maintenance of the Ureje Dam and that in the 2013 budget, Ero dam turnaround maintenance is being taken care of.
Mr. Jegede also informed the delegation that the state government had put in place the water and sanitation policy to ensure water sustainability.
The Special Adviser added that Governor Fayemi has approved financial autonomy to the State Water Corporation as part of efforts at making it function optimally.
According to him, the state however needs more foreign assistance to drive its infrastructural agenda and achieve the target of becoming a model in the water sector in Nigeria.
Mr. Jegede expressed satisfaction with the past relationship between the state and the European Union (E.U), adding that he was confident of the success of the Water and Sanitation Reform Project in the state.
The meeting was attended by officials from the National Planning Commission, RUWASSA and Agency for Small Towns and Villages Water Supply.
Last modified: March 12, 2013
