Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, has initiated a groundbreaking water project aimed at addressing the chronic water scarcity in his senatorial district. Valued at N1.24 billion, the project will see the construction of 75 new solar-powered boreholes and the rehabilitation of 60 existing moribund water schemes across various communities in the region.
The project will span all seven local government areas in Kogi West, which include Kabba/Bunu, Lokoja, Koton Karfi, Yagba West, Yagba East, Mopamuro, and Ijumu. Senator Karimi explained that the primary aim of the project is to ease the burden of accessing clean and safe water for the people of Kogi West, who have long struggled with unreliable and unsafe water sources. He noted that this project would not only improve access to potable water but also contribute to the general well-being of the residents by reducing waterborne diseases.
The senator emphasized that the project is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with contracts awarded to two reputable companies that have extensive experience in executing similar water infrastructure projects. Karimi revealed that the contractors are already on-site and working diligently across various locations within the district. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within four months, with the new solar-powered boreholes set to bring significant improvements to the availability of clean water in both urban and rural areas of Kogi West.
He also stressed that the rehabilitation of the 60 moribund water schemes would restore water access to many communities that have been without reliable water sources for years. In addition to the water project, the senator’s efforts have extended to other sectors, demonstrating his commitment to the overall development of Kogi West. Hon. Suleiman Babadoko, a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly and prominent APC chieftain in Lokoja, commended Senator Karimi for his exceptional leadership and the far-reaching impact of his initiatives.
Babadoko highlighted that Karimi’s development efforts have been unprecedented in the history of Kogi West. He pointed to the senator’s funding of cooperative societies for women across the district, with over N160 million invested to empower women in the seven local governments. The establishment of these cooperatives has provided women with financial independence and opportunities to develop their businesses.
Babadoko also applauded the senator for his annual bursary award program, which provides N100,000 to 1,000 students every year. This initiative, valued at N100 million annually, has helped many students from Kogi West to further their education and pursue their academic dreams. In addition to supporting education, Senator Karimi has been instrumental in securing funding for the construction of a Forward Operating Base for the military, which has enhanced security in the region.
The senator’s focus on infrastructure development has also been evident in his efforts to upgrade local schools. He successfully facilitated a contract for the renovation of Government Secondary School, Koton Karfi, worth over N1 billion, and continues to prioritize improvements in education facilities. Beyond education and security, Karimi’s efforts to enhance public services include the provision of transformers, solar streetlights, and other essential infrastructure to various communities in Kogi West.
Furthermore, Karimi’s humanitarian initiatives have also been significant, with periodic distributions of trailer loads of rice and Semovita to alleviate poverty among his constituents. He has also provided fertilizers to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the region.
Babadoko, in his remarks, praised the senator for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people. He described Karimi as a leader who is deeply invested in the development of Kogi West and has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents. Babadoko also expressed his gratitude for Karimi’s efforts to create lasting change and improve the quality of life for the people of Kogi West.
