Ukodhiko Inspects Otor-Owhe Water Reticulation Project, Commends Contractor for Quality Work.

The Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, earlier today embarked on an inspection tour of one of the ongoing 2025 capital projects in Otor-Owhe community the rehabilitation of the community’s water reticulation system.

Hon. Ukodhiko, who expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of work done by the contracting firm handling the project, described the water project as one that is very dear to his heart.

According to the federal lawmaker, the Otor-Owhe Water Scheme holds great sentimental value, as it used to supply water to the entire Owhe clan, including his own Erawha community and even Emevor, during his childhood days.

He assured that before the end of his tenure, other Owhe communities that were originally connected to the water system would also be reconnected. “By the grace of God, next year’s budget will capture the remaining Owhe communities,” Ukodhiko stated.

Speaking further, he disclosed plans to reactivate a similar facility in Ozoro to enable surrounding communities to have access to potable water. “Water from a reservoir cannot be compared to that from boreholes. The pipes are deeper and wider, making the water cleaner and more accessible, especially for those who cannot afford to drill boreholes,” he explained.

Hon. Ukodhiko noted that the Otor-Owhe Overhead Concrete Reservoir, with a capacity of 270m³, is a sub-regional water scheme originally constructed by the Federal Government to serve several catchment communities. However, he said the system had suffered setbacks due to its dependence on public electricity and diesel-powered generators, resulting in erratic supply and high maintenance costs.

“Arising from these challenges and the appeals from my constituents, we conceptualised an upgrade during the preparation of the 2025 budget,” he said.

The lawmaker added that with the comprehensive redesign of the headworks and the impressive execution by the contracting firm and supervising engineer, potable water supply to Otor-Owhe would now be both sustainable and reliable.

He highlighted that the upgraded system includes the drilling of additional boreholes, installation of hybrid solar-powered submersible pumps, and replacement of obsolete asbestos cement pipes with modern hydraulically modelled pipelines that meet current engineering and safety standards.

Ukodhiko further revealed that new pipelines have been extended into several streets to allow households direct access to clean and safe water.

The federal legislator expressed optimism that the Federal Government would fully implement the 2025 Appropriation Act to enable the execution of more transformative projects across Isoko land.

“My earnest prayer is that the Federal Government fully implements the 2025 Appropriation Act, as we have many more projects awaiting award and execution for our people. Once completed, these projects will greatly enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our constituency,” Ukodhiko assured.