Potable water has long been a pressing issue in Katsina State, exacerbated by challenging climatic conditions. Many residents have relied on costly boreholes, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to ensure universal access to clean water.
Recognizing clean water as a basic human right and a cornerstone of public health, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration in the last year has embarked on bold initiatives to revolutionize the state’s water infrastructure, ensuring universal access to clean, potable water for all residents.
Under Governor Radda’s visionary leadership, significant investments totaling 400 million Naira have been made to upgrade key water infrastructure, including the Ajiwa water treatment plant and pumping station. These upgrades, which include new high-lift and raw water submersible pumps and pipelines, signify a monumental leap forward in enhancing water treatment capabilities and improving water quality for communities across the state.
Governor Radda acknowledges the high recurrent costs associated with providing clean water and affirms the administration’s commitment to exploring sustainable solutions. With an investment of 1.4 billion Naira in water treatment chemicals and diesel across nine water treatment plants, the administration is now turning its focus towards renewable energy to reduce diesel consumption and enhance long-term sustainability.
The World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) project has been instrumental in catalyzing progress in the state’s water sector. With strict performance standards and a 5 billion Naira funding allocation, the SURWASH project has provided crucial support towards water supply improvements.
Impressively, Katsina State has emerged as Nigeria’s best-performing state under the SURWASH project, a testament to Governor Radda’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, Governor Radda reaffirms his administration’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to clean, potable water for all residents. Preparations are already underway to scale up efforts under the SURWASH project, ensuring that every community in the state has access to safe and reliable water sources.
