President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the upgrade of the Buruku-Gboko water supply project, valued at ₦18.8 billion.

The project, located in Ameladu, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, is a major underground water collection site in the region.

The project, originally conceived in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Babangida to provide clean and safe drinking water to Gboko, Buruku, and environs, was neglected by successive administrations.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr Tinubu, represented by the minister for water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the project aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of providing one of the most essential necessities to the populace.

“The Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project was initially conceived as the ‘Gboko-Yandev Water Supply System’ but has now been renamed the ‘Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project,” Mr Utsev explained.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme aimed to restore the vandalised waterworks at Ameladu, Mkar in Gboko, and the Buruku Water Supply Scheme.

He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Mr Utsev explained that water would be sourced from the Katsina Ala River via an intake structure on the riverbank.

It would then be transported over a distance of 17 kilometres for purification and treatment before being distributed as potable water to Gboko, Mkar, and neighbouring communities.

He disclosed that the project would be executed by Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited at a cost of N18.8 billion, inclusive of all relevant taxes, with a completion timeline of 18 months.

“The scope of work includes the complete rehabilitation of the water intake and treatment plant at Gboko and the supply and installation of three low- and high-lift pumps with a motor power rating of 400V/50Hz.

“It has a discharge capacity of 380–440 m³/h at a head of 18–22 metres, along with an associated control panel adaptable to a solar power source using an RSI Hybrid 30KW VFD inverter.

“Other works at Buruku include the supply and installation of a 150m³/hr package water treatment plant with associated electromechanical equipment at Buruku station,” Mr Utsev added.

He urged the Benue government to provide the necessary support to the team of engineers and experts handling the project to ensure its successful completion.

In his remarks, Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia commended Mr Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the people’s long-standing challenge of accessing safe drinking water.

Represented by his deputy, Samuel Odeh, Mr Alia described the project as monumental, noting that it had been abandoned for decades.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.

“The project belongs to the people of Benue. I appeal to you not to harass the contractors so they can complete the work on time,” Mr Alia said.

Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, assured that the community would take full ownership of the project and protect it.

(NAN)