The Kano government says it spends about N1.2 billion monthly to provide portable drinking water in the metropolis. The Kano water resources commissioner, Ali Makoda, disclosed this.

Mr Makoda stated this while speaking with journalists in Kano on Wednesday.

“We spend N400 million monthly on diesel, N387 million on chemicals, while electricity bills take N280 million. There are also other costs. We are fixing the prevailing water scarcity in the state capital and its environs. In a couple of days, the problem will be over,” Mr Makoda said.

He blamed the water shortage on obsolete equipment, especially at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, which supplies water to most parts of the Kano metropolis.

“The high temperature in the metropolis is also a factor as people consume higher volumes of water to cope with the weather,” he stated.

He blamed the previous government for the decay in the water sector and alleged that it did not give it the necessary attention.

“During the tenure of the last administration, only 20 per cent of the state’s water demand was met. Our administration has supplied more than 60 per cent of the water needs of our people,” he claimed.

He also disclosed that the state government had entered into an agreement with the French government to spend €63.4 million to construct the third Kano water treatment plant.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring that there is enough drinking water in Kano; that is why Governor Abba Yusuf is doing all he can, including sinking heavy sums, to ensure that,” he added.

(NAN)