The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has initiated projects executed by the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano and Jigawa States to enhance access to safe water and promote sustainable development in Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The projects were inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, in Kano and Jigawa State on Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively.
The water bottling and treatment facility at the Headquarters of Hadejia-Jamare River Basin Development Authority in Kano aims to improve access to safe and potable water for the people of Kano Metropolis.
The Minister highlighted that the 100,000 litres overhead steel water tanks supported by 3 boreholes and powered by hybrid solar inverters in Masamawa, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, will serve 500 households. The 200,000 litres corrugated surface steel water tank powered by solar energy in Dodo Birnin Kudu will benefit 700 households. Moreover, a 135-kilowatt solar-powered Birnin Kudu Water Works will replace diesel generators for intake and booster pumps.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable and cost-effective water treatment and distribution, ensuring essential services reach all parts of the nation.
These projects are part of a broader initiative to address the nation’s increasing demand for safe water supply amid challenges posed by climate change.
The Minister stressed the significance of high-quality materials and local content in infrastructure projects to ensure sustainability and resilience. He also mentioned initiatives promoting Integrated Agricultural Systems based on the Songhai Integrated Model Farming and Green Rural and Regenerative Economy across the twelve River Basin Development Authorities.
Efforts to transition from fossil fuel-powered irrigation systems to renewable/hybrid systems to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change effects were underscored.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s preparedness for the annual flood season, emphasizing proactive measures in high-risk areas like Jigawa State, as outlined in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.
Prof Utsev praised sanitation progress in Jigawa State, achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and highlighted the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign”to raise awareness about proper sanitation practices nationwide.
During the ceremony, 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 projects, ensuring their effectiveness beyond the defect liability period. He emphasized the positive impact of these projects on local communities and the need for stringent security measures to protect water facilities, especially at the Dam site.
Prof Utsev officially handed over two water projects to the Birnin Kudu Local Government through the State Water Board and one to the management of the Federal Medical Centre, urging them to maintain government facilities for the benefit of citizens. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.
Attendees at the commissioning included the Honourable Commissioner for Jigawa State Ministry of Water Resources, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammed Garba, Birnin Kudu Local Government Chairman, Magagi Yusuf, State Government officials, Directors and Deputy Directors of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, community leaders, women, youths, and children.
