As Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies continue to appear before the standing committees of The Delta State House of Assembly to defend their budget proposals for 2025, The Honorable Commissioner for Water Resources Development – Hon. Dr. Isaac Wilkie on Thursday Nov. 21st, 2024, led the Acting Permanent Secretary, Directors and General Managers of the Implementing Agencies to defend the Ministry’s budget proposal before the Delta State House of Assembly House Committee on Water Led by Hon. Bino Owhede. Member Representing Isoko South Constituency in the DTHA.
The exercise is to help MDAs fast-track their budget allocations, foster transparency and promote accountability which is the footprints of good governance.
The Honorable commissioner for water resources development Dr. Isaac Wilkie highlighted the performances of the Ministry in 2024 and proposed a budget of ₦3.5 billion before the Committee.
The Commissioner highlighted that the budget Objectives in line with the M.O.R.E. AGENDA of His Excellency Rt. Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori are:
- To establish a more sustaining water supply and maintenance culture emphasizing that breaking down of water schemes because of minor faults unchecked would be a thing of the past.
- To complete all ongoing projects by improving, monitoring and evaluating for more effective water supply.
- To pursue management and eradication of open deification in the state with greater zeal.
- To improve staff capacity and morals.
The commissioner then stated that the Ministry is looking seriously into harnessing The Ogwashi-uku dam for power supply and irrigation taking advantage of the – Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Program initiated by the Federal Government and a counterpart funding of ₦200million has already been approved by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The ministry is also looking to establish and improve the already existing Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Department in all Local Governments in the state to help manage Water Schemes better as they are much closer to the schemes.
Reacting the Hose Committee Chairman on Water – Hon. Bino Owhede applauded the developmental strides made in 2024 by The Mionistry of Water Resources Development emphasizing it can be seen across the state especially in Small Towns. he urged the Directors and G.ms of Agencies to work with the vision of the honorable commissioner to ensure the goals set for 2025 is reached.
