Relief has returned to the residents of Ugboha community in Edo Central as Governor Monday Okpebholo breathes life into the long-abandoned Ugboha Water Supply Scheme, marking a significant milestone in the state’s renewed push to end water scarcity.
The once-moribund facility, which had lain dormant for years due to neglect, vandalism, and poor implementation, is now undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation under the administration’s new urban water intervention programme, targeting critical infrastructure across all three senatorial districts.
Speaking during an inspection visit, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Hon. Uyi Ekhosuehi, revealed that the waterworks were in a deplorable state when he assumed office barely two months ago.
“The dam had collapsed, the treatment plant was non-functional, and shoddy work on the original project—especially the use of incompatible ductile iron and PVC pipes—led to massive leakages and system failure,” he said.
Ekhosuehi noted that Governor Okpebholo, upon receiving the assessment, acted swiftly and approved the immediate replacement of the substandard materials with durable pipes, insisting that it was unacceptable for Ugboha—the host community of the water scheme—to remain without water.
Thanks to that intervention, the new pipes have already been delivered, and excavation work is in full swing. The move signals what officials describe as “action-oriented governance” focused on direct impact at the grassroots.
But beyond restoration, the administration plans to scale up capacity. Ekhosuehi disclosed that while the current output is a mere 3 million litres per day, the Ugboha River has the potential to supply 30 million litres daily—a volume that could significantly benefit the wider Esan region.
The project has stirred optimism in the local community. Elder Abanokha Stephen, Chairman of the Ugboha Water Consumers Association, praised the government’s responsiveness and transparency.
“We’ve lived without water for years. This same project was once our hope, but poor-quality pipes made it collapse. Now, for the first time in a long while, we are seeing real government effort,” he said.
The inspection team was greeted with jubilation at the community market square, where women, youth, and elders gathered to express gratitude. Their celebration underscored the emotional and practical importance of clean water in their daily lives.
The Ugboha scheme is part of Governor Okpebholo’s wider plan to restore basic amenities across Edo State. His administration has pledged to prioritise not just large-scale infrastructure but also essential services that directly affect communities.
With similar interventions expected across other senatorial districts, residents are beginning to see signs that change may not only be promised—but delivered.
As one resident put it, “This water means more than convenience; it means dignity, health, and a future.”
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