World Water Day: Niger state assured of potable drinking water
Saka Bolaji – Minna
As the world marks World Water Day, Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sanni Bello has assured each household in the state of providing potable drinking water.
The governor who spoke through his Commissioner of Water Resources and Dam Development, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman however revealed that about 58 percent of people living in the state Capital, Minna still lack water supply to their homes.
He said that the lack of water supply to many homes in the Minna metropolis is worrisome despite the efforts and resources being put in place by the state government to ensure the availability of water for people across the state.
Suleiman who addressed newsmen in Minna to commemorate World Water Day stated that the Ministry has however made some giant strides in improving water supply from 17 percent of the populace to 42 percent stressing that the capacity utilization of the state water board has increased to 50 percent.
“We have been working round the clock to get water for the people. Currently, we are supplying water to 42 percent of areas in Minna that are linked up to the water supply. We know that there are areas that are not yet linked up to water supply but we are making it our mandate to improve water supply in the state capital and across the state.”
The Commissioner however lamented that a lot of people do not value water in the state as they are careless in taking care of the service pipes that connect water to homes.
“Service pipes are usually meant for the people to manage but we often take over in repairing most of these service pipes that get burst. Our main challenge is inadequate reporting.
“The society is so careless in caring about water supplies but they are also the same society that yearns and laments about lack of water supply.”
Speaking about the theme of the 2021 World Water Day, ‘Valuing Water’, Suleiman noted that valuing water entails valuing water sources, natural water resources, ecosystems, water infrastructure, water services, sanitation, and health services.
He said that the state government is adopting the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach that will reflect and balance a diverse range of interests, including households, agriculture, industry, business, and the natural environment.
The Commissioner reiterated the determination of the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to provide safe drinkable water to every home in the state.
