Over N2.7b needed to fix water problems in Katsina

Over N2.74 billion is required by the Katsina state government to fix the problem of water supply across the state. Presenting a report on the state water board and semi urban schemes in Katsina at the weekend, the committee chairman, Isa Abubakar Matazu said the amount did not include Katsina and Malumfashi water works presently been catered for by the administration.

Matazu explained that, while about N1.3bn is estimated for the restoration of the water works including expansion of supply network, the semi urban water schemes would gulp over N1.4bn.

According to him, out of the 42 existing semi urban water schemes in the state, only three are functioning while the rest have been abandoned and vandalised.

He added that, it’s findings revealed that, there is no coordinated way in which these schemes are managed, urging government to establish a Semi-Urban Water Supply Agency to run the schemes.

Similarly, the committee, he posited recommended that, the six semi urban water schemes around the Katsina metropolis be handed over to the state water board for efficient management.

On the chemical requirements of the water board, he said while there is a shortfall in the supply of Aluminium Sulphate, there is a little over supply of chlorine gas, calling for standards to be maintained to ensure proper dosage of chemicals.

Responding, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said government would set up a committee to look into issues raised by the committee with a view to reposition the state water board for more effective services.

He revealed that, fourteen million naira is being released by government to the state water board monthly from the joint account for the supply of water to communities across the state.

The Governor also disclosed that, two new water pumping machines and one are currently being installed at Ajiwa and Funtua Water Works to boost water supply to Katsina metropolis, as well as Funtua and environ.

Segun Olaniyan, Katsina