The Kaduna State government plans to spend N93 billion over four years for the rehabilitation of the water sector in four tranches to address the neglect it has suffered over the past 10 years.

Ibrahim Hamza, the Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Kaduna.

Mr Hamza said Governor Uba Sani had directed the payment of all outstanding salaries and wages to the staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC), amounting to N800 million.

He further disclosed that the staff of the corporation would be put back on the state’s payroll until 2027, when it must have fully stabilised to run as a commercial entity.

The commissioner recalled that the governor had declared a state of emergency in the water sector three months ago.

Mr Hamza said, ” This led to the appointment of Kabir Rufai as the substantive managing director of KADSWAC.

”The corporation will collaborate with the local governments to maintain generator operations. This will strengthen existing water laws to support corporate employment policy.”

He said the state was investing heavily in rehabilitating and retrofitting all water treatment plants and distribution mains, with an emphasis on sanitation and hygiene.

Mr Hamza said, “The N93 billion will be invested in four instalments, starting with N17 billion this year.

“N35 billion will be invested next year, N30 billion will be invested in 2026, and N11 billion will be invested in 2027.”

(NAN)