After a decade-long struggle with water scarcity, Kano State in Northern Nigeria is witnessing a significant turnaround. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has invested N21.3 billion to revive the state's water sector, which had been crippled by neglect and inadequate infrastructure. The state's water needs 700 million liters daily, but for years, residents received less than 300 million liters, resulting in a 400 million-liter deficit.
The history of Kano's water sector dates back to 1927 when the British colonial administration built the Challawa Water Works. Completed in 1930, it was an engineering marvel that supplied water to several areas, including the Army Barracks. Over the years, additional waterworks were built, including the Old and New Tamburawa, with capacities of 9.6 million and 150 million liters per day, respectively. However, the system was killed by neglect, with infrastructure looted and vandalized.
By the time Governor Yusuf took office on May 29, 2023, the water sector was in a state of disarray. A committee of experts was set up to assess the situation, and the report painted a grim picture. At Challawa, only two out of six industrial generating sets were operational, while Water Works No. 1 and No. 2 were non-functional. Raw water pumps were stolen, and electrical starters were ripped from control rooms. The total cost of decay was estimated at over N30 billion.
The Goron Dutse reservoirs, which had supplied water to Kano for nearly a century, had not received water for over ten years. They were dry, cracked, and filled with silt. The reservoirs' condition was a result of years of neglect and inadequate maintenance. Previous administrations had spent N5.6 billion on "maintenance," but it was ineffective, as pipes were not replaced, and reservoirs were not desilted.
To revive the water sector, Governor Yusuf has demonstrated unmatched political will. He visited water projects, inspected facilities, and approved the N21.3 billion investment. The funds will be used to repair and upgrade infrastructure, including the Challawa and Tamburawa waterworks. The governor's efforts aim to address the systemic collapse of the water sector and provide relief to residents who had suffered for years.
The impact of Governor Yusuf's investment is already being felt. Water production is expected to increase, and residents will have access to a reliable supply. The governor's leadership by example has earned him praise, and his commitment to service delivery is evident. The N21.3 billion investment is the single largest water investment in Kano in 15 years.
As Kano's water sector begins to recover, residents are optimistic about the future. The governor's efforts have shown that with political will and commitment, even the most pressing challenges can be addressed. The revival of Kano's water sector is a testament to the governor's dedication to improving the lives of his constituents.
Key points
- Governor Abba Yusuf invests N21.3 billion to revive Kano's water sector.
- Kano's water needs 700 million liters daily, but had been receiving less than 300 million liters.
- The state's water sector had been crippled by neglect and inadequate infrastructure.
