By Kayode Araba
Thus, the Senate Committee on Water Resources has expressed concern over the N40 billion multilateral and bilateral loan deductions from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s in 2025 budget allocation the Senate noted this on Tuesday, leave the ministry with inadequate funds to execute critical projects.
However, the lawmakers highlighted the devastating annual flooding crises that plague the nation, describing them as economic and social catastrophes the Senate stated that the 2025 budget allocation is insufficient to address these challenges or ensure meaningful progress in the ministry’s objectives.
Also, senator Kenneth Chukwuemeka Eze, chair of the committee, raised concerns about the ministry’s financial constraints, asking what happened to the projections for 2025 when loan repayments have consumed a significant portion of the budge.
During the budget defense session, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, elaborated on the ministry’s challenges. He stated that the allocation for loan repayments deducted at source has left the ministry with only N57.7 billion for its activities.
Therefore, in 2025 budget proposal priority is given to completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects to enhance agricultural productivity and food security Prof. Utsev said. He emphasized the need for aggressive implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, as well as flood and drought mitigation measures.
In addition, minister outlined plans for collaboration with the private sector under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for dam and hydropower projects, as well as partnerships with international organizations to scale up interventions in sustainable water management and sanitation.
Moreso, the Senate called for enhanced public awareness campaigns to end open defecation and address the recurring flooding disasters. They urged the ministry to work closely with the legislature, pledging their intervention where necessary to secure additional funding from the presidency.
