The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has commissioned projects executed by the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano and Jigawa states as part of efforts to enhance access to safe water and promote sustainable development in the country.
Inaugurating the projects on different occasions, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Prof Joseph, said the commissioning of a water bottling and treatment facility at the headquarters of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano was aimed at increasing access to potable water supply for people in the area.
He said the 100,000 litres overhead steel water tanks serviced by three boreholes and powered by hybrid solar inverters inaugurated at Masamawa in Birnin Kudu local government area of Jigawa State would provide water for 500 households, while the 200,000 litres corrugated surface steel water tank serviced by solar power at Dodo Birnin Kudu would benefit 700 households. Additionally, a 135-kilowatt capacity solar-powered water works in Birnin Kudu is replacing the diesel-powered generators for both intake and booster pumps.
He emphasised government’s dedication to sustainable and cost-effective water treatment and distribution to ensure the delivery of essential services to all parts of the nation.
The minister also maintained that the commissioned projects were part of a wider initiative aimed at tackling the nation’s growing demand for safe water supply, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change in water availability and quality.
Engr Utsev highlighted the importance of using quality materials and fostering local content in infrastructure projects to guarantee sustainability and resilience.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the promotion of Integrated Agricultural Systems using the Songhai Integrated Model Farming based on Green Rural and Regenerative Economy through a range of technical solutions across the twelve River Basin Development Authorities.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s readiness for the annual flood season and stressed the need for proactive measures, especially in high-risk areas like Jigawa State, as outlined in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.
The managing director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Ma’Amun Aliyu, confirmed the successful completion and testing of the projects, extending beyond the defect liability period to ensure their effectiveness.
Prof Utsev officially handed over two of the commissioned water projects to the Birnin Kudu LGA through the State Water Board and the other to the management of Federal Medical Centre.