In line with Pillar Four (Knowledge Economy) of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s Five Pillars of Administration Agenda, the Day Two of the ongoing training of Management, Senior and Junior Staff of Ekiti State Water Corporation (EKSWC) on Internal Communication have successfully addressed communication deficit amongst workers and stakeholders in the Water Sector of the State’s economy.
The objectives of the training are basically aimed at bridging communication gaps amongst staff of EKWSC and stakeholders alike, while educating staffs and stakeholders on current water projects being embarked upon by the state government with the support of the World Bank.
According to the Communications Specialist on the 3rd National Urban Water Project, Mrs. Nancy Otagbo said that the project was initiated during Governor Fayemi’s first tenure as the Concept note was developed by then with the full support of the Governor.
“During the Governor’s first term in Office, he ensured an enabling environment for the actualization of this project by signing the ISPO which gave a standing order with the backing of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to ensure the payment of Counterpart Fund for the project.
“In Ekiti State today, the 3rd National Urban Water Project is working in about 14 communities in Ado-Ekiti as prototype project to get the feedback of the people and also see the viability of the project itself. This project is leveraging on the exisiting Ureje Dam and soon to be refurbished Ero Dam. Also on April 9, 2019, the Governor kicked off the Pipeline Extension project across all 14 communities of the state capital. We have also commenced the laying of transmission pipes from Ifaki to Ado-Ekiti in places namely; Olorunda, Olorunsogo, State and Federal Housing, Ikigbisin along Afao road amongst others,” he said.
Speaking about effectively communicating the project with the people, the Communication Specialist said the EKSWC and World Bank representatives embarked on a communication strategy which goes beyond outdoor sensitization and Media Jingles. “We commenced on community engagement through our Special Communications Team, visiting every location and hold meetings with stakeholders,” he said.
Mrs. Nancy explained the existing collaboration between coordinators of the project and the state government, saying that there is a strong working relationship with the government on ensuring a successful completion of the project.
“By the Concept Note, we have what we called Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) which collaborates with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Lands and Housing to ensure we resolve foreseen hitches with communities and Telecommunication companies that are laying cables to improve network services like we are also laying pipes for water transmission.
“We have done this because we understand the existing issues between communities and some of the telecom companies. The government pays a certain amount on Disturbance Fee to hosting communities to ensure free flow process. We have also met with the SA on Infrastructure to further form synergies on how to curtail the problems facing the project. The Ministry of Environment is in partnership with us on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to ensure serene environment for the water project at hand,” she said.
