Gov Yusuf approves N21.29bn for Kano water infrastructure rehabilitation

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved over ₦21.29 billion for the rehabilitation and restoration of critical water supply infrastructure across Kano State.

The approval, announced by the State Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday, followed a resolution of the State Executive Council meeting and is aimed at addressing the prolonged water scarcity affecting residents.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Commissioner of the Ministry, Dahir Muhammad Hashim, the intervention targets key facilities whose declining performance has significantly reduced water availability.

The projects include the rehabilitation of the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant and restoration of its Raw Water Pump Station at a cost of ₦9.9 billion. It also covers the rehabilitation of the Challawa Raw Water Pump Station and Water Treatment Plant, alongside the restoration of the Goron Dutse Reservoirs, valued at ₦11.39 billion.

The commissioner described the intervention as one of the most substantial investments in the water sector in recent years, noting that it is both urgent and necessary.

He stated that the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, originally designed to produce 150 million litres per day, is currently operating at about 27 percent capacity due to damage caused by flooding, particularly to its raw water pump station since 2022.

Similarly, the Challawa facility, with a production capacity of 220 million litres per day, is functioning at less than 30 percent.

Combined, both plants were built to supply 370 million litres daily, but are now delivering far below that level, contributing to widespread water shortages across the state.

In addition, the Goron Dutse Reservoirs, which serve as a major distribution hub for large parts of Kano metropolis, have become non-functional following the vandalization of critical components.

“These realities explain the scale of the problem we face,” the commissioner said, adding that the intervention is designed to directly confront the crisis.

He noted that the approved projects are expected to restore production capacity, improve distribution efficiency, and stabilize water supply across Kano State.

While acknowledging the hardship faced by residents, he said the government is committed to resolving the challenges in a sustainable manner and expressed confidence that the measures will significantly reduce water scarcity.

He also called for public cooperation in protecting water infrastructure, noting that vandalism has contributed to repeated service disruptions.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable water supply and improving the quality of life of residents through sustained investment in critical infrastructure.