The Ondo State Government has defended the removal of old water pipelines across the state, describing the exercise as part of efforts to modernise water infrastructure and improve public health and safety.

The government’s position was contained in a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Comrade Goke Oluwole, in response to a video circulated by Sahara Reporters alleging the indiscriminate removal of old water pipelines.

Oluwole dismissed the report as misleading, insisting that the affected pipelines were ageing, rusted wrought-iron and steel installations that had outlived their useful lifespan.

According to him, the continued use of the deteriorating pipelines could pose public health risks and undermine the effective distribution of potable water to residents.

He explained that their removal was a deliberate step towards replacing them with modern, durable and high-capacity pipeline networks to improve water supply across the state.

The media aide said the introduction of modern PVC pipes formed part of the administration’s commitment to providing clean, safe and hygienic water to households in Ondo State.

He added that the initiative aligned with the infrastructural development agenda of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, particularly in the areas of public sanitation, water supply and sustainable development.

Oluwole also urged media organisations, especially online publishers, to verify information with relevant government agencies before publishing reports capable of misleading the public.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upgrading water infrastructure and improving access to safe water in communities across Ondo State.