The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has commissioned projects executed by Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano and Jigawa States as part of efforts to enhance access to safe water and promote sustainable development in Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The laudable projects were inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, on Tuesday, 30/04/24, in Kano and Wednesday, 01/05/24, in Jigawa State, respectively.
According to the Honourable Minister, the commissioning of a water bottling and treatment facility at the Headquarters of Hadejia-Jamare River Basin Development Authority in Kano is aimed at increasing access to safe and potable water supply for the socio-economic use of the people of Kano Metropolis.
He further hinted that the 100,000 litres overhead steel water tanks serviced by 3 boreholes and powered by hybrid solar inverters inaugurated at Masamawa in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State will provide water to 500 households, while the 200,000 litres corrugated surface steel water tank serviced by solar power at Dodo Birnin Kudu will benefit 700 households. Additionally, a 135-kilowatt capacity solar-powered Birnin Kudu Water Works is replacing the diesel-powered generators for both intake and booster pumps.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to sustainable and cost-effective water treatment and distribution, ensuring the delivery of essential services to all parts of the nation. He also maintained that the projects commissioned today were part of a wider initiative aimed at tackling the nation’s growing demand for safe and potable water supply, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change in water availability and quality.
The Minister highlighted the importance of using quality materials and fostering local content in infrastructure projects to guarantee sustainability and resilience. He also mentioned initiatives such as the promotion of Integrated Agricultural Systems using the Songhai Integrated Model Farming based on Green Rural and Regenerative Economy through a range of technical solutions across the twelve River Basin Development Authorities.
He underscored efforts towards replacing fossil fuel-powered irrigation systems with renewable/hybrid systems to decrease carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s readiness for the annual flood season, stressing the need for proactive measures, especially in high-risk areas like Jigawa State, as outlined in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.
Prof Utsev commended the progress achieved in sanitation efforts, notably in Jigawa State, which has attained full Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and emphasized the nationwide “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign,” which continues to raise awareness about the importance of proper sanitation practices, urging all states to actively participate in the campaign.
During his keynote address, the Managing Director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Ma’Amun Da’u Aliyu, confirmed the successful completion and testing of the commissioned projects, extending beyond the defect liability period to ensure their effectiveness. He emphasized that these projects would positively impact and enhance the livelihoods of the local communities. He also stressed the importance of strong security measures to safeguard the water facilities, especially the raw water pumping equipment at the Dam site.
Prof Utsev officially handed over two of the Water projects commissioned to the Birnin Kudu Local Government through the State Water Board and the other one to the management of Federal Medical Centre. He charged them to uphold and maintain government facilities for the benefit of their citizens and reaffirmed the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in delivering tangible dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.
Among the attendees at the commissioning were the Honourable Commissioner for Jigawa State Ministry of Water Resources, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammed Garba, Birnin Kudu Local Government Chairman, Magagi Yusuf, State Government officials as well as some Directors and Deputy Directors of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside community leaders, women, youths, and children.
