The Edo State Government is to purchase additional rigs to solve the intractable water problem in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole made the announcement in Benin when the kinsmen of former First Lady, the late Mrs Stella Obasanjo, paid him a thank-you-visit at Government House.

“We will continue to do our best to improve the lives of the people. We are determined to ensure that every community in the state feels the impact of governance.

“Water is the most challenging thing in Esan Land. Many boreholes that were sunk in the past never really worked.”

Oshiomhole noted with regret, “the deceit of past administrations in the provision of potable water,” saying that “where they could not find water, they used tankers to fill the overhead tanks”.

“Given the population of the community, you need additional boreholes. One borehole cannot serve more than 20,000 people.”

He also promised the state government’s readiness to renovate the secondary school in the area.

Oshiomhole said the decision to purchase additional rigs was to enable each senatorial district to have one rig dedicated to its needs.

Earlier, the delegation from Iruekpen community, led by Mr Ernest Okhiria, said the visit was to show their appreciation over Oshiomhole’s benevolence in providing the community with basic necessities of life.

He thanked the governor for extending democracy dividends, including the provision of water and the rehabilitation of a secondary school to the area.

“As a community, we tried to sink a borehole, which did not yield any result. However, with your wisdom, you have surpassed all other efforts to meet the needs of more than 20,000 inhabitants of Iruekpen community.”

He pledged the continued cooperation and loyalty of the community to the state government.