Governor Abba Yusuf has approved N21.29 billion for the rehabilitation of Tamburawa and Challawa Water Treatment Plants and the restoration of the Raw Water Pump Stations to address water scarcity.

The acting commissioner of water resources, Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the rehabilitation of the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant and the restoration of the Raw Water Pump Station would cost ₦9.9 billion.

Mr Muhammad-Hashim added that the rehabilitation of the Challawa Raw Water Pump Station and Water Treatment Plant, alongside the restoration of the Goron Dutse Reservoirs, would cost ₦11.39 billion.

He described the intervention as one of the most substantial investments in the water sector in recent years, emphasising that “it is both urgent and necessary”.

According to him, the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, designed to produce 150 million litres per day, is currently operating at only about 27 per cent capacity due to damage caused by flooding, particularly to its raw water pump station from 2022.

He further said that the Challawa facility, with a capacity of 220 million litres per day, is functioning at less than 30 per cent.

“Combined, both plants were built to supply 370 million litres daily but are now delivering far below that threshold, contributing directly to the widespread shortages being experienced across the state.

“The Goron Dutse Reservoirs, which serve as a major distribution hub for large parts of the Kano metropolis, have been rendered non-functional following the vandalisation of critical components. These realities explain the scale of the problem we face,” he stated.

He assured residents that the approved projects would restore production capacity, improve distribution efficiency, and stabilise water supply across Kano.

“Governor Abba Yusuf is committed to resolving these challenges in a sustainable manner, and we are confident that, with these measures, water scarcity in Kano will soon be significantly reduced and ultimately eliminated,” he said.

He also stressed the need for public cooperation, particularly in safeguarding water infrastructure from vandalism, which has contributed to repeated service disruptions.

Mr Muhammad-Hashim reaffirmed the administration’s goal of delivering a reliable water supply and improving the quality of life for all residents through sustained investment in critical infrastructure. 

(NAN)