The Kano State government has spent over N1 billion on purchasing 10 high-capacity water pumps to revamp the state’s water supply system.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Doguwa, said this while inspecting the pump machines at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant.

Mr Doguwa highlighted the critical water shortage in Kano that prompted Governor Abba Yusuf to take decisive action.

“As an engineer himself, the governor personally assessed all water treatment plants in the state and identified faulty raw water pumps as the primary issue,” Mr Doguwa said.

He explained that six pumps, each with a capacity of 110 kilowatts, would be installed at the Challawa Water Treatment Plant, while four pumps, each with a capacity of 160 kilowatts, would be installed at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant.

Mr Doguwa warned industries, commercial centres and individuals abusing treated water, particularly those diverting it for farming activities to desist or face the wrath of government.

“People are yearning for drinking water, yet some individuals illegally channel treated water to their farms. We are investigating those responsible, and if necessary, we will seize lands found engaging in such practices,” he said.

He also lamented the issue of water theft, where people siphon water from hydrants meant for emergency use, warning that surveillance efforts were underway, and that anyone caught in the act would be penalised.

The commissioner urged industries and commercial establishments in the state to settle their water bills promptly, stressing that the era of free access to government water was over.

He disclosed that the government had embarked on a project to restore pipe-borne water to Dambatta town, which had been without public water supply for nine years.

Mr Doguwa assured residents of the town that significant progress had already been made, noting that their water supply would soon be restored.

He stated, “We are not rushing this project; we want to do quality work that will stand the test of time. With the governor’s mandate, we will ensure every town in Kano gets adequate water supply.’’

(NAN)