Osun Govt. Signs Water Reform Bill Into Law To Curb Wastage

CHANNELS TV

In a bid to make water more available for use by the people and to check its indiscriminate use, the Osun State Government has signed into law, the State Water Sector Bill.

The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Committee, has also been put in place to ensure effective and efficient allocation of water among various users in the state.

The Law, when fully implemented would go a long way in checking the activities of wasteful consumers who also cause hazard to others through the use of water.

The Project Coordinator of the Water Resources and Rural Development Office, Adelere Adeyemi-Oriolowo, revealed this to journalists in Osogbo.

He said the execution of the various components of the law as well as the ratification of the various sections of the law is already being put in place.

Oriolowo added that when fully functional, the law would among other things, be able to regulate the activities of all water users and suppliers in the state so that people can fully benefit from the efforts of government in making water available for all.

Echoing a similar view, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, Water Resources, Rural and Community Affairs, Mr Mufutaudeen Oluwadare, stressed that the administration of Rauf Aregbesola is doing everything possible to ensure that people use water judiciously.

Oluwadare further explained that another integrated approach the state government embarked on was the making of a ceaseless effort towards eradicating open defecation practices in various communities across the state.

This he believes can be achieved through a pragmatic approach of massive provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in public places across the length and breadth of the state, to ensure healthy lifestyle.

The PS noted that Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOM) have been set up by the Office of Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA) in all rural communities of the state to ensure good sanitation and hygiene practices in their communities.

Institutional and Policy Expert (IPE) European Union Supported Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme (EU-WSSSRP-II) in the state, Mr Adebayo Alao disclosed that IWRM is all about efficient and effective allocation of water for different categories of users without jeopardizing the chances of other users of the water.

He further explained that, it is to ensure that actions and in-actions of water users do not have negative impact on others, especially those living downstream.

Re-iterating the aim of the government, the team leader of the IWRM stated that the committee was setup to ensure that each category of user of water is adequately taken care of without any hitch.

He also noted that everybody needs to key into a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources.