Ogun warns road contractors to avoid damaging water pipelines

The Ogun government has warned road contractors in the state to exercise caution and prevent damage to underground water pipelines during construction.

In a statement, Damilola Otubanjo, special adviser to the governor on sustainable development goals (SDG) and water resources, also cautioned residents against damaging water infrastructure in the state.

She condemned deliberate attempts by some individuals to destroy basic water infrastructure, adding that authorities will arrest and prosecute defiant offenders.

“As we are fully committed to rehabilitating and upgrading our water supply networks, one pipe at a time, our efforts to enhance the water sector and ensure the provision of potable water to the citizens of Ogun State are being greatly hampered by the insensitive activities of road contractors,” Otubanjo said.

“These contractors, driven solely by the urgency of road construction, frequently damage our underground pipeline networks with little regard for the consequences of their actions.

“This persistent and avoidable damage has significantly contributed to the rise in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), leading to substantial losses in resources, increased operational costs, and a decline in service efficiency.

“The repercussions of these avoidable infrastructure damages include a high volume of wasted treated water, with bursts and leaks resulting in a massive loss of water that has already undergone rigorous treatment, causing an unnecessary depletion of our limited resources.

“Also, there are escalating repair costs, as frequent damage to pipelines imposes a heavy financial burden on OSWC, diverting funds that could otherwise be used for infrastructure upgrades and service improvements; increased risk of contamination as broken pipes expose treated water to external contaminants, posing serious health hazards to the residents of Ogun State.

“There are disruptions in water supply, as burst pipes lead to service interruptions, depriving communities of access to clean and safe drinking water, and loss of revenue, with damaged pipes resulting in financial losses due to wasted resources and uncollected water revenue.

“Reputational damage to OSWC – Service disruptions and inefficiencies caused by these damages create a false perception of negligence on the part of OSWC, thereby eroding public confidence in our ability to provide essential services.”

‘OSWC TO ENSURE STRICTER COLLABORATION WITH ROAD CONSTRUCTORS’

Otubanjo said the Ogun State Water Corporation (OSWC) has vowed to take decisive action against the vandalism of its infrastructure, adding that authorities will ensure stricter collaboration with road construction firms to protect its assets.

“The OSWC remains resolute in its commitment to improving water supply across Ogun State,” the governor’s aide said.

“However, these efforts must be supported by responsible practices from all stakeholders, particularly construction companies and contractors.

“We call on all relevant authorities, agencies, and the general public to join us in preserving and protecting our water assets for the benefit of all.

“We urge road contractors and all stakeholders to act with a sense of responsibility and prioritize infrastructure protection as a fundamental aspect of their operations.”