The Kwara Government has awarded contract for the rehabilitation, expansion and construction of 14 semi urban water schemes in the state.

The Commissioner for Water Resource, Mr Garba Idris, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ilorin.

Idris said the projects were necessary due to population increase and the deterioration of existing water schemes in the state.

He said the affected water stations were located in Kaiama, Rogun, Lafiagi, Gwanara, Ilesha-Baruba, Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ajasse-Ipo, Share/Tsaragi, Ojoku and Rore as well as Agbeyangi, Megida, Afon and Pampo.

The commissioner appealed to the contractors handling the projects to complete the work on schedule in the interest of the communities.

Idris assured the contractors that the ministry would ensure prompt payment of their money but warned against shoddy jobs by the contractors.

He also listed other water projects undertaken by the government to include the rehabilitation of water stations at Pepele, Arandun and Ilorin, as well as the provision of 172 motorised bore holes and hand pumps across the state.

The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue to provide potable water to communities to prevent water borne diseases.

He said it was the policy of the administration that no citizen would trek beyond 500 metres without getting access to potable water. (NAN)