The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenges affecting water supply across the state, especially in the metropolitan areas.
General Manager of the State Water Board, Engineer Aminu Mika’il, gave the assurance during a press briefing on Monday in Sokoto.
Mika’il, who acknowledged the recent concerns surrounding water scarcity in the Sokoto metropolis, attributed the issue to a range of factors.
According to him, the shortage was primarily caused by external technical challenges such as high voltage supply and inadequate water levels in the rivers feeding the state’s water treatment plants.
He noted that despite these hurdles, the Commissioner for Water Resources, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has taken proactive steps to mitigate the situation.
“Among the measures taken is a strategic engagement with the Rima Basin Development Authority, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the problem,” he said.
Mika’il also called on the people to avoid politicizing the issues of water supply.
The General Manager therefore commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for his unwavering support, particularly in facilitating necessary interventions to stabilize water supply, describing the governor’s efforts as pivotal in reviving critical infrastructure within the water sector.
This online platform reports that the Boers had given journalists a tour of one of the state’s main water intake points.
Speaking at the location, Mika’il lamented the extent of vandalization observed in the area.
He revealed that significant damage had been done to vital installations, including standby generators, which worsened the situation.
He however expressed optimism that the challenges will be resolved as the state government had released funds for the replacement of vandalized or stolen equipment.
“Engineers are currently working to restore full functionality and ensure consistent water distribution to residents of the state” he added.
Residents of the Sokoto metropolis lamented that they have been struggling with scarcity of water for almost a month, a situation that posed serious concern for many households.
A resident of Tudun Wada A, in the Sokoto metropolis, Ukashatu Haruna said they have been without potable water for about three to four weeks now.
He noted that the problem affected almost all the areas in the Sokoto metropolis which included Tudun Wada B, Kofar Marke, Giɗaɗawa, Manuru Road and Ƙungumawa amongst others.
“Some people have to go as early as possible to search for water before going to market, shop or school, while some will send their children to look for the water for them down to Tashar lllela instead of sending them to school” he lamented.
He further stressed that they are suffering, hoping that the government will do the needful to end the water crisis.
