The Kwara State Government reaffirmed its commitment on Friday to ensuring adherence to quality standards and the timely completion of forty water and smart toilet projects across communities in the state.

Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to the Kwara State Governor, provided this reassurance during visits to several benefitting communities.

The inspection included communities such as Idi-Ogede, Idi-Ose Aribidesi, Ganmo, and Osunte, located within Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Ifelodun, and Offa local government areas. At Idi-Ogede, Olohungbebe was welcomed by the Magaji, Alhaji AbdulRazaq AbdulKareem, and the Chairman of the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC).

During the visit, he described the water and smart toilet initiatives as crucial interventions aimed at enhancing rural water supply and combating open defecation.

Olohungbebe added, “Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration remains dedicated to advancing community engagement through Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), ensuring that every community experiences the benefits of infrastructural development.”

“Community engagement is very important in achieving an all-inclusive and sustainable development. Therefore, the present administration is mindful of the fact that projects are better appreciated and adequately maintained when people in the community are involved at every stage. In view of this, the government is assuring you of its continued partnership with the CBOs while addressing community needs”, he added.

Responding, the CPMC member of Idi-Ogede, Mallam Salaudeen Abubakar, said the water project was strategically sited while commending the government for heeding the call of the community.

At Ganmo, the solar-powered motorised borehole and smart toilet were sited very close to the market. The decision, according to the CPMC Representative, Azeez Feyishara, was informed to address the lack of a functional public toilet with water supply in the area. He, therefore, assured the SSA Community Development that the facilities would be adequately maintained.

It would be recalled that the projects, implemented through the Kwara State Social and Community Development Agency (KWASCDA) and Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), were part of the recommendations made by the community-based organisations in the state at a summit held across the three senatorial districts.