Chika Otuchikere
The residents of New Bussa in Niger State were excited on Wednesday, when the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated their water works project which they said, had been stalled for over 30 years.
Akume inaugurated the rehabilitated and expanded New Bussa water scheme at the project site saying that it was an important milestone in the journey of the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, towards improving the people’s living standards and attaining sustainable development.
The SGF was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi while the project was executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission.
Akume stated, “We gather here to inaugurate the newly rehabilitated water works of New Bussa, a project that exemplifies the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
“For quite a while, the people of New Bussa have grappled with the challenge of accessing clean potable water. This basic necessity, which many take for granted elsewhere, has been a luxury for far too long in this community. But the government has heard your concerns. We listened, and we acted.
“The rehabilitation of the New Bussa water scheme is not simply about revamping old infrastructure and building additional structures; it is about transforming lives,” the SGF noted.
Continuing, Akume added, “Mothers will no longer have to worry about the safety of the water they give their children. Hours previously spent fetching water can now be dedicated to education, farming, business, and family.”
He noted that the improved water supply would boost public health and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. It will support local businesses, attract investment, and contribute to the overall development of New Bussa town and environs.
“The Federal Government recognises that New Bussa, as a resettled town, has unique challenges. In spite of the presence of several federal parastatals and military outfits in the town, basic amenities have been lacking.
“This water project is a step towards rectifying that imbalance. It is an open testament to our belief that every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves access to clean and safe water.
“This project aligns with the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
”The newly rehabilitated water station now supplies water that meets global standards for quality water supply. This project … is about quenching thirst as much as it is about preventing water-borne diseases, improving public health, and enhancing overall quality of life,” Akume stressed.
The Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said that the project would bring to an end the perennial water problem experienced in New Bussa and environs over the years.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Suleiman Umar, Bago stressed, “The provision of sustainable potable water at people’s disposal remains the driving force of socioeconomic development in every society.
He insisted, ”Given the critical importance of water supply, our administration has made it a cardinal objective for Nigerlites.
”Our state is blessed with abundant water resources which are optimally harnessed for potable water supply, agriculture, navigation, industrialisation, and recreation.
“However, there is still a significant facility deficit in spite of the progress made in the past. We are committed to a sound infrastructure replacement and expansion program in the sector.
“It is important to state that this administration has made rehabilitation and resuscitation of the water sector as one of the cardinal objectives of our New Niger Agenda.”
The governor observed that the water sector is capital intensive and required a huge investment to address the existing deficit in the sector.
“To achieve this and make the sector sustainable will require investments from both the public and the private sector. Indeed, we are leveraging partnerships such as this to achieve our goals in the sector,” Bago said.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa said the rehabilitated water works target not only an infrastructure upgrade but also a transformation in the quality of life for the people of this historic town and its environs.
”Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, whose dedication to the welfare of Nigerians aligns perfectly with the mission of N-HYPPADEC.
“We are grateful for your supervision and support, Your Excellency. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Niger, Umar Bago.
“The support and cooperation we have been enjoying from the Niger State government has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Sani Haliru -Dantoro, and the former Senator of Zone C who is now the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Distinguished Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.
The voices of these esteemed leaders were the catalysts for this project. They brought the plight of New Bussa to our attention. This project is a testament to the impact of their effective leadership and representation,” he insidtrd.
According to the managing director, the rehabilitation of the New Bussa water works was not just another item on the list of their completed projects.
It is a vital step in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda places a premium on improving human life and ensuring water supply across every nook and cranny of our dear country.
”Today, we bring that hope to New Bussa. This hope is now a tangible reality that will flow from every tap in this town,” Sadiq-Yelwa said,
In the same vein, the Emir of Borgu, Dr Sani Halitu-Dantoro, said the epochal event was a half century-old promise kept by the Nigerian State, as well as a dream come true for the people of Borgu.
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