By Abdullahi Lukman
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Ondo State Government and Agence Française de Développement have jointly launched a $222.9 million project to expand access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services in Ondo State.
The Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project will benefit more than 1.3 million people in Akure, Ondo City and surrounding communities, including Idanre, Igbara-Oke, Ilara Mokin, Ibule-Soro and Ipogun.
The initiative is financed by $124.2 million from the African Development Bank Group, $59.3 million from AfDB and $39.4 million in counterpart funding from the Ondo State Government.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 9, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said the project would strengthen water security, improve public health and support economic growth across the state.
The African Development Bank said the investment will modernize water infrastructure, support urban water sector reforms and help deliver long-term development outcomes for communities.
The project includes rehabilitation and expansion of the Akure water supply system, construction of modern sanitation facilities and a faecal sludge treatment plant, as well as measures to improve hygiene, environmental health and wastewater management in line with Nigeria’s national WASH framework.
It will also strengthen the capacity of the Ondo State Water Corporation through improved management systems, tariff reforms and pro-poor service delivery, aiming to ensure sustainable operations and maintenance.
Officials said the project is expected to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation services, contributing to healthier living conditions and greater resilience for residents across Ondo State.
