Water restored to 5 Kano LGA’s after a decade of shortage
Potable drinking water has been successfully restored to Danbatta, Makoda, and Minjibir in Kano’s North Senatorial District, ending a decade-long water shortage.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Haruna Doguwa, during a tour of the three local government areas to evaluate the progress of water supply restoration.
Doguwa reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf to ensuring reliable access to drinking water across all regions of Kano State.
He disclosed that mini water treatment plants in semi-urban areas had been fully rehabilitated, and water supply to the affected communities has resumed.
Doguwa confirmed that water was now flowing in Kunya, Kilawa, and Wailare villages in Makoda and Minjibir Local Government Areas, with efforts in place to ensure the steady supply of water to Danbatta.
“These villages have gone without water for over eight years, despite having piped connections. Neglect from past administrations led to the deterioration of the water treatment plants,” he explained.
Doguwa added that inspections are ongoing in the affected villages to address issues such as rust and leaks in the pipes, which resulted from years of disuse.
He emphasized that these efforts align with Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision of revitalizing the state’s water infrastructure and ensuring the continuous provision of clean water for the residents.
Additionally, Doguwa confirmed that water supply to Danbatta would be fully restored within the next week. The current challenge, he noted, is a blockage in a water valve along the Danbatta Thomas Dam, but work is already underway to resolve the issue.
The Commissioner also stated that the government would take strong action against any diversion of water meant for consumption to irrigation purposes.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent expressed their gratitude for the return of water, describing it as “life-saving.”
The Chairman of Minjibir Local Government Area, Malam Jibrin Nalado, expressed appreciation for the provision of a borehole, stating that for many years, the people struggled to access water. He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for fulfilling his campaign promises.
“We thank God and the government for this gesture. Now, we are all happy to see water flowing in our community,” he said.
Abubakar Iliyasu, a resident of Kunya community in Minjibir, shared his excitement, stating that he had not seen water flow from a tap in over 10 years until it was restored last week.
Malam Sani Wailare of Wailare town in Makoda Local Government Area also expressed his gratitude to the state government, the Commissioner for Water Resources, and the new local government chairman for their efforts in restoring water supply to multiple communities within months.
“We had boreholes in many communities, but they dried up over the past 10 years, leaving us with no choice but to buy water,” he explained.
Musa Isa, a resident of Kilawa village in Danbatta Local Government Area, also shared the hardships faced by the community, explaining that for years, residents had to walk long distances to fetch water or rely on a few wells in the area.