On Thursday, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to a 50 per cent increase in potable water supply for Sokoto state and its environs.

Mr Goronyo made this pledge when a delegation from the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority visited him in Abuja.

Mr Goronyo emphasised the ministry’s commitment to implementing the agenda set by the present administration and assured the people of Sokoto that tangible progress is underway.

He noted that this would be accomplished with qualified engineers and water specialists actively developing and implementing strategic plans in Sokoto.

He added that by the next quarter, it is anticipated that 50 per cent of the targeted population will have direct access to improved water supply.

Yusuf Mohammed, the commissioner for water resources, who led the delegation, extended gratitude to the minister of state for his dedication to the state’s development.

He emphasised the importance of convening a state press conference to leverage Mr Goronyo’s support in addressing critical issues such as food security and water supply in Sokoto.

Ismail Wali, the permanent secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the federal and state governments under Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

He mentioned that the collaboration improved water accessibility and quality across urban and rural communities.

The permanent secretary outlined a comprehensive water distribution plan, allocating 80 per cent of potable water to urban areas, 50 per cent to semi-urban areas, and 30 per cent to rural communities.

The Sokoto delegation also visited the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, who reassured the team of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to prioritising access to clean water, sanitation, and food security.

Mr Utsev informed the team that work on some dams and other water projects executed by the federal government across the country had reached an advanced stage and would soon be completed and put to use.

He mentioned that the federal government would also award contracts for constructing more dams and boreholes across the six geopolitical zones.

According to the minister, his ministry desires to ensure that 80 per cent of Nigerians have access to sustainable water, improve sanitation, and have affordable food to eat before President Bola Tinubu’s administration ends.

(NAN)