The chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger, Mustapha Jibrin, said Governor Umaru Bago has directed the council and the state ministry of water resources to tackle water scarcity in Minna metropolis.

He disclosed this during a meeting with officials of the Niger State Ministry for Water Resources in Minna on Wednesday, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the water challenges affecting residents of Minna.

Mr Jibrin said that the collaboration was prompted by the residents’ complaint and the governor’s directive to find both immediate and permanent solutions.

“We are here because of the water challenges in Chanchaga LGA. The governor has been very concerned and mandated us to work with the ministry to resolve these issues,” he said.

Mr Jibrin revealed that while repairs and expansion of water infrastructure were ongoing, additional measures were needed to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

He disclosed that the council would release some funds to the ministry to use its water tankers for distribution of water to areas most affected by the shortage.

He said the tankers would take water to strategic locations across the 11 wards of the LGA and ensure equitable distribution, especially during this fasting period, pending a lasting solution.

“The tankers will be deployed strategically, working with ward councillors to reach areas with the greatest need,” he added.

The chairman explained that residents were being informed about contacts for reporting water-deficient locations and gave the assurance that a permanent solution was underway.

He added that the council would rehabilitate solar-powered boreholes in the most affected wards, while new boreholes would be sunk in critical areas such as Tudun Wada South and Nasarawa ‘C’ wards.

Mr Jibrin said the released funds would facilitate water supply during the fasting period as well as support the temporary measures until permanent solutions were completed.

Responding, commissioner for water resources, Faruk Audi, described water as “life itself” and highlighted the enormous challenges confronting Chanchaga LGA, urging other local governments to adopt similar proactive strategies.

Mr Audi said the LGA relied on two main sources: the Chanchaga Water System and Bosso Treatment Plant, both of which require expansion to meet the growing demand in the metropolis.

He identified challenges including erratic power supply, relocation of pipelines due to road construction, obsolete infrastructure, shortage of treatment chemicals, widespread leakages, illegal connections, and unpaid bills.

“The governor has directed the payment of electricity bills and continuous supply of chemicals,” he said.

Also speaking, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Akilu Kuta, said plans were underway to drill industrial boreholes and construct reservoirs to regulate water supply and curb indiscriminate drilling.

He disclosed that the state was collaborating with Arab Contractors to desilt Twaguwai Dam to enhance storage capacity and ensure consistent water supply for Minna residents.

 (NAN)