The Mayegun of Isanlu Land, High Chief Olatunde David Dare, has condemned the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources' directive to evacuate facilities of the Isanlu water project, which it described as "verified scrap metals and decommissioned assets". The project was built in 1983 with public funds to serve Isanlu, but residents have endured almost two decades without reliable water and electricity.
High Chief Dare demanded the immediate suspension of any removal, sale, or disposal of the infrastructure pending a transparent review, full disclosure of documents, and proper community engagement. He argued that the government's duty is to explain why the system failed, assess what could be salvaged, and chart a path to rehabilitation, rather than abandoning the public asset.
The traditional chief questioned the classification of the assets as scrap, asking who authorised it, what technical assessment was conducted, when the assets were formally decommissioned, and what became of earlier rehabilitation efforts or appropriations. He also demanded to know the valuation, technical report, and approving authority for the disposal of the assets.
High Chief Dare noted that administrations were temporary while public assets and communities were permanent. He urged the government to leave the facility intact if it could not rehabilitate it, so that a future administration with the capacity could do so. He also served notice on prospective buyers that the community would closely scrutinise any transaction involving the assets.
The community leader urged Isanlu youths and residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying the grievance must be pursued "with dignity, restraint and respect for the law". He warned that the community would pursue every lawful administrative, regulatory, and judicial avenue available if the decision was not reversed.
High Chief Dare also demanded to know the method of disposal, public notice issued, criteria for determining value, and where the proceeds would go. He said, "If every required process has been followed, government should have no difficulty presenting the documents." The community leader emphasised that the government should be transparent in its dealings.
The Kogi State government's plan to remove the water project facilities has sparked concerns among residents, who fear that the move could further exacerbate the existing water and electricity challenges in the area. The community is awaiting a response from the government on the fate of the water project facilities.
Key points
- The Kogi State government has been asked to suspend its plan to remove water project facilities in Isanlu.
- The community leader, High Chief Olatunde David Dare, demands a transparent review and full disclosure of documents.
- The water project facilities have been in existence since 1983 but have been non-functional for almost two decades.
