ASHENEWS reports that the General Manager of the Sokoto State Water Board, Mr. Isma’il Umar has expressed the urgent need for collective action to address the challenges around water supply in the state.
Umar stated this while speaking during an interview with ASHENEWS on the sideline of the 2024 World Water Day.
Mr. Umar called for a paradigm shift in terms of community engagement with water resources and management.
“We are calling on the public to take water facilities in their domain as their own because when there is no water, they will be the ones to suffer before anybody,” he said.
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Speaking further, Umar stated that the board is looking forward to partnering with private-public partnerships and non-governmental organizations on improved water supply, expansion and security across the state.
He further stressed the importance of monitoring and reporting any faults or damages to water equipment to the board, stating, “We rely on the vigilance of our citizens to identify and report any issues promptly.
“By working together, we can ensure timely intervention and maintenance to keep our water systems operational,” he added.
The General Manager also commended the effort of the Sokoto state governor, Dr. Ahmed Sokoto to maintain a constant water supply to the public through monthly provision of water treatment chemicals, diesel, payment of electricity bills and funding of maintenance of water supply facilities.
Commenting on the continuous vandalisation of some water supply facilities across the state that put Gagi and Asare water works out of operation, Umar said that the activities of vandals have resulted in inadequate access to water for residents.
This online platform reports that World Water Day is celebrated on the 22nd of March globally.
The day draws the attention of stakeholders to the need to take urgent action to tackle the global water crisis.
This year’s event is celebrated with the theme ‘Water for Peace.’
