The Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government have recommitted to enhancing water accessibility by 50 percent, announced the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo.
Goronyo reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority in Abuja.
He stressed the Ministry’s commitment to executing the agenda set by the current administration, assuring the people of Sokoto of significant improvements in this endeavour.
“By the next quarter, it is anticipated that 50 per cent of the targeted population will have direct access to improved water supply.”
“This would be accomplished with qualified engineers and water specialists actively engaged in developing and implementing strategic plans in Sokoto State,” Goronyo said.
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In his remarks, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Water Resources, who led the delegation, Yusuf Mohammed, extended gratitude to the Minister of State for his dedication to the state’s development.
He emphasised the importance of convening a state press conference to further leverage Goronyo’s support in addressing critical issues such as food security and water supply in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Sokoto State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ismail Wali, highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
“This collaboration will result in significant improvements in water accessibility and quality across urban and rural communities,” he said.
The permanent secretary outlined a comprehensive water distribution plan, allocating 80 per cent of potable water to urban areas, 50 per cent to semi-urban areas, and 30 per cent to rural communities.
The Sokoto State delegation also visited the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who reassured the team of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to prioritising access to clean water, sanitation, and food security.
Utsev informed the team that work on some dams and other water projects being executed by the federal government across the country had reached an advanced stage and would soon be completed and put to use.
He mentioned that contracts for the construction of more dams and boreholes across the six geopolitical zones would also be awarded by the Federal Government.
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According to the Minister, his ministry desires to ensure that 80 per cent of Nigerians have access to sustainable water and improve sanitation as well as affordable food to eat before the end of the Tinubu administration.
Utsev, expressing appreciation to the government and the good people of Sokoto for their support, promised to visit the state for a more robust engagement that would benefit both parties.
(NAN)
