…Institution lauds the gesture as a formidable project.
In a bid to ensure effective and efficient management of the Malete Waterworks, the Kwara State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete in Moro Local Government Area.
Signing the MOU on behalf of the State Government during the official ceremony held on Thursday at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Water Resources, the Commissioner, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, stated that the facility would not only provide potable water to the institution and its environs but also complement academic research in the University.
The Commissioner disclosed that the MOU is aimed at ensuring efficient, reliable and sustainable management of the dam, its water and associated water treatment facilities as well as facilitating joint initiatives in water resources research, innovation and technology transfer, among others.
Hon. Lade revealed that the MOU is expected to last for five (5) years, adding that it maybe renewable if the institution is able to handle the project diligently in line with the agreements.
Also speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Christiana Omolola Asonibare, described the event as a significant milestone that reflects the strong spirit of collaboration among the Ministry, the Kwara State Water Corporation and KWASU.
“Today’s gathering is a clear demonstration of the collective commitment of the Kwara State Government to ensuring efficient operation and sustainability of critical water infrastructure. This partnership underscores the Government’s unwavering resolve to make potable water readily available to communities across the State through strategic collaboration and shared responsibility,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the state government remains committed to strengthening this collaboration between the supervising Ministry and Kwara State University in order to ensure prompt production, effective management and sustainable water supply to the institution, the host community and neighbouring communities such as Alapo, Yeregi, Jeunkunu, Omoni, Ogala and by extension, across the State.
The duo expressed their gratitude to the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his consistent support of the Ministry’s activities and programmes, noting that this continues to propel the Ministry and the state to greater heights.
In his acceptance speech, the Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, who signed the MOU on behalf of the institution, described water as an essential commodity that cannot be toyed with, reiterating that the handing over of the Malete Waterworks facility will go along way to help resolve water shortage in the institution and its environs.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the state government for the laudable gesture and assured that the University would not disappoint in the responsibility entrusted to it.
In her vote of thanks, the Registrar of the institution, Dr. Kikeloma Sallee, pledged the institution’s preparedness to deliver on the mandate given to them by the state government.
They both promised to safeguard and protect the facility to the best of their ability for effective service delivery.
