Gov Sani To Invest N93bn In Water Sector

Kaduna State Government said it plans to spend N93 billion in four years on the rehabilitation of the water sector in four tranches to address the sector’s neglect over the past 10 years.

The commissioner for public works and infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza who made this known in Kaduna, disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has directed the payment of outstanding salaries and wages to staff of Kaduna State Water Corporation(KADSWAC), amounting to N800 million.

Hamza further disclosed that staff of KADSWAC will be put back on the state’s payroll, up till 2027 when the corporation must have fully stabilised to run as a commercial entity.

The commissioner recalled that the governor had earlier declared a state of emergency in the water sector three months ago, which resulted in the appointment of Engr. Kabir Rufai as substantive managing director of KADSWAC.

Hamza pointed out that the N93 billion will be invested in four instalments, starting with N17 billion this year, adding that N35 billion will be invested next year, while N30 billion will be invested in 2026, and N11 billion will be invested in 2027.

The commissioner further disclosed that ‘’previous administrations invested $50 million into the urban water supply scheme in the last 10 years with no result.’’

‘’The corporation will collaborate with local governments to maintain generators’ operations. It will strengthen existing water laws to support corporate employment policy,’’ he said.

He added that Kaduna State is investing heavily in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of all water treatment plants and distribution mains, with emphasis on sanitation and hygiene.