By Rakiya A.Muhammad
Hope rises in Sokoto as the state government commissions a phase of a 40-million-gallon-per-day water supply project, bringing a ray of light to the long-standing suffering caused by acute water shortages in the state capital.
The Old Airport Water Scheme, which was commissioned, will supply 3 million gallons per day, with the complete set of six schemes designed to deliver 40 million gallons daily upon completion.
The remaining five schemes include the Tamaje Water Scheme, the Gagi Water Scheme, the Mana Water Scheme, the Runjin Sambo Water Scheme, and the Ruga Liman Water Scheme.
“These are not just projects but promises fulfilled, promises to reduce the suffering posed by water scarcity in the state,” Governor Ahmad Aliyu declared at the commissioning of the Old Airport Water Scheme.
“It was intended to empower our communities and ensure a more resilient and prosperous Sokoto State.”
According to him, works on the remaining schemes are progressing steadily.
The Governor revealed that six township water schemes, initiated by the former Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, were being completed under his administration for N14.1 billion.
“It is a well-known fact that when we took over the mantle of leadership of our dear state, we inherited a state with acute water shortage where residents buy a jerrycan of water between N200 and N300.,” he recalled.
“Even the little water supplied was ineffectively processed with lack of water treatment chemicals at the state water board; worried by this situation, we quickly took drastic measures by addressing some of the major challenges hindering the water supply in the state, and since then, the normal water supply to Sokoto and its environs was restored.”
He attributed the recent water scarcity to the low electricity supply the state has experienced and the dwindling water levels in the rivers.
The Governor, however, assured that his government had been tackling the challenges head-on, noting the replacement of obsolete equipment and provision of alternative power sources to sustain water pumping operations.
“To the good people of Sokoto state, this is your victory, this is your progress, and with your continued support, we will achieve even greater heights,” he added.
Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, who commissioned the project, lauded the Sokoto Governor for the insight and commitment to providing this dividend of democracy, which has a direct bearing and significant impact on the lives of the citizenry.
He described the investment in the projects as well justified, noting that it has addressed the challenges associated with urbanisation and population growth, especially in terms of access to clean and steady water supplies.
“Over the years, access to clean water supply has always been a challenge in both rural and urban communities; therefore, these projects are indeed of great significance to the lives of the people,” he stated.
“There is no doubt that the water projects are being strategically executed to provide the communities with safe drinking water to curb waterborne related diseases and promote public health.”
He appealed to the people to take ownership and protect projects executed by the government to ensure their security, thereby maximising benefits for the people and providing the government with value for its money.
“With the state under the leadership of His Excellency and close guidance of the leader here in Sokoto state, especially under the able leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, our hope is renewed and more to come.”
In a remark, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, described the project as very important “because water is life.”
The Sultan lauded the Governor for initiating the project. “Any leader who takes it upon himself to ensure water to the community he is leading, I think, is on the right track,” he stated
“We are here because it is a community-related programme, and whoever has his heart and mind to help our communities, we are full,100 per cent in support of that person and what he is doing.”
The royal father encouraged the state government to implement more projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
