The Edo State Government has vowed to reclaim properties belonging to the Ministry in charge of water resources that have been encroached upon by individuals, warning that any allocation of government land without proper authorisation is illegal.
The Commissioner, Hon. Washington Osifo, made this known while inspecting the ministry’s facilities alongside the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee led by Eugene Okoloise. During the visit, some occupants claimed they received allocations from officials of the Edo State Water Corporation, an agency under the ministry.
Osifo said the government would not allow public assets to remain in private hands, stressing that all such properties must be recovered for government use. He announced that an inquiry would be set up following allegations against some officials, noting that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
According to the commissioner, no individual or official has the authority to enter into contractual agreements on behalf of the government without approval, adding that any such arrangement is illegal. He condemned the construction of permanent structures on what were originally meant to be temporary accommodations.
On water supply, Osifo said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo plans to prioritise the provision of public water to rural communities before urban areas, noting that public water infrastructure in cities has been largely disrupted by urbanisation and widespread private borehole drilling.
He explained that the government is reviewing the feasibility of restoring public water supply in urban centres in view of existing investments in roads, electricity and drainage, but emphasised that rural communities with critical water needs would be addressed first before extending services to urban areas.
