As a critical step towards ensuring access to safe, clean, and potable water by the citizenry, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North-West Local Government, Alh AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju has officially flagged off chlorination of wells across the Council area.
According to the Council boss, the initiative was part of the local government’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its citizens, and is in line with the state government’s commitment to providing basic amenities to rural communities.
In a press statement by Ramat Alade, Head of Information Unit of the Council and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday, Alh Adepoju maintained that the chlorination of wells across the nooks and crannies of the Council area is a crucial step in preventing water-borne diseases, which are prevalent in many rural communities. He added that, by providing safe drinking water, the local government aims to reduce the incidence of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
The Chairman pledged that his administration would do everything possible to protect the lives of the people of Ibadan North-West Local Government through provision of necessary facilities to enhance a conducive living environment.
He assured the residents that the chlorination exercise will be sustained through regular monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that the benefits of the chlorination are long-lasting.
He said, “we are committed to providing basic amenities to our citizens, and this project is a testament to that commitment, we will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of our people.”
In the meantime, the Council Boss has enjoined residents of the Council area to desist from open defecation and illegal dumping of refuse.
He also urged them to maintain a clean environment by sweeping their surroundings regularly, proper dumping of refuse, regular washing of toilets and ensuring an hygienic environment for their households to prevent outbreak of Cholera.
He further advised nursing mothers to take proper care of their children by monitoring what they eat, drink and the environment where they mingle with friends.
He maintained that cholera is a contagious disease that must be prevented from being broken out in any community. Adding that the breakout may lead to loss of lives if not adequately prevented.
The Chairman also implored all food vendors within the Council area to prepare their food under hygienic condition stressing that cholera could easily be contracted from contaminated food and water.
In her remarks, the Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs Rachael Olabode reiterated that the chlorination is expected to have a positive impacts on the community and improve the quality of life of the residents. She enjoined all the Council residents to maintain hygienic environment in their household activities to prevent any break out of diseases.
The flag-off ceremony which was held at Oke Seni area was attended by community leaders, residents, and stakeholders, who expressed their gratitude to the local government Chairman for the vital intervention when water borne diseases are prevalent in rural communities.
On the Executive Chairman’s entourage were the Vice Chairman, Alh Ganiy Abiodun Omotosho, leader of the House, Mr Gbemileke Nelson, the secretary, Mrs Sarah Shobowale, Local Government PDP Chairman, Alh Lukman Adesina, Councillors, Chief of Staff and Supervisors .
Others were Wards Chairmen, women leaders, Environmental Health Officers and Heads of Departments from the local government led by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs Rachael Olabode.