Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commissioned the rehabilitated Yelwa Water Treatment Plant as part of activities marking his 61st birthday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving access to clean and reliable water across the state.
The commissioning ceremony, held in the Yelwa area of Jos South, marked a significant milestone in the state government’s effort to restore efficient water supply to residents of Bukuru, Gyel, and neighbouring communities.
Speaking during the event, the governor expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate his birthday by delivering a project that directly benefits the people.
“There is no better gift on my birthday than to make people happy. The joy on the faces of the women tells it all,” he said, acknowledging the challenges rural women often face in sourcing water for their households.
Governor Mutfwang noted that although Plateau State is naturally blessed with abundant water resources, the major challenge has been the treatment and effective distribution of water to homes and businesses.
He stressed the need for proper maintenance of water facilities and warned that negligence in water management could endanger public health.
“Whenever we pump out dirty water, we have actually participated in endangering lives,” the governor cautioned officials responsible for managing the facility.
The governor also warned against illegal developments around water reservoirs and treatment plants, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate encroachment on public water infrastructure.
According to him, buildings constructed within restricted areas around water bodies may be demolished to safeguard water sources and protect public health.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Lawandi Datti, described the rehabilitation of the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant as a major step toward restoring reliable water supply in the area.
He explained that the project would improve sanitation and hygiene, enhance access to safe drinking water, and contribute to better health outcomes for residents.
Datti commended development partners, particularly the World Bank–supported programme, as well as the Jos Water Services Corporation and contractors involved in the project for their support and dedication to the successful completion of the facility.
Also speaking, development partner representative Matthew Verghis praised the transformation of the plant, noting that the progress recorded would significantly improve the lives of residents.
“What we are seeing today is completely different from what was there a few years ago, and this is going to make an enormous difference in the lives of people,” he said, while emphasizing the need for sustainable maintenance and improved sanitation practices.
As part of broader efforts to improve water services, Governor Mutfwang also signed a contract worth over ₦28 billion with China Geo-Engineering Corporation and Shanxi Construction Investment Group to rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure in the state.
The project will be financed through a loan from the French Development Agency and will focus on upgrading key water treatment plants and expanding distribution networks.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the initiative would significantly improve water supply within the Jos metropolis while modernizing infrastructure that has existed since the 1970s.
“The turbines at Laminga Dam were installed around 1973 or 1974 and have broken down several times, consuming a lot of energy. This project will replace aging equipment and old pipes across the city,” he said.
The governor noted that the project would strengthen water systems, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable access to safe water for residents across Plateau State.
