Governor Uba Sani has disclosed that the water production of Kaduna State has increased from 8% to over 30% in the last two and half years, as a result of a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure.
The Governor who made this known when the management of the National Water Resources Institute(NWRI) paid him a courtesy call, pledged a 100% coverage across Kaduna State by late 2026.
He lamented that ‘’for over a decade, our water sector suffered from systemic neglect.’’
‘’When this administration assumed office, we encountered a sector in deep distress—treatment plants were dormant, distribution networks had been severely compromised by past urban renewal projects, and overall water production had fallen to a staggering 8%,’’ he noted.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed that his administration then embarked on an unprecedented journey to comprehensively overhaul Kaduna State’s water infrastructure.
According to him, his government has ‘’committed between ₦93 billion and ₦100 billion over the next four years, from 2024 to 2027, to ensure that every household in Kaduna State enjoys a steady and reliable supply of clean water.’’
The Governor said that his administration spent over ₦5 billion replacing pipes lost to vandalism and damaged during past urban renewal projects in Zaria and Kafanchan.
‘’A further ₦10 Billion investment in replacement of priority and critical pipelines for Kaduna is ongoing,’’ he said, adding that ‘’ we have invested ₦1.4billion in high-quality water purification chemicals.’’
According to the Governor, his administration had cleared ₦1.3 billion in outstanding electricity bills to keep pumps running to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
He pointed out that Kaduna State Government has not only invested in water infrastructure renewal, but also ‘’prioritized the welfare of workers who make things happen in the water sector.’’
The Governor added that he has cleared the salary arrears of Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) staff, amounting to over N900 million and integrated the workforce into the heart of the reform agenda.
‘’I have also approved the allocation of land for a Mass Housing Project in Millennium City, Kaduna. We want the professionals who safeguard our water resources to have a place they can proudly call home,’’ he disclosed.
The Governor promised to collaborate with the National Water Resources Institute for the long-term sustainability which requires not only infrastructure but expertise.
He allocated land to the establishment of branches of the institute in Zaria and Kachia, adding that they ‘’will bridge critical training gaps and ensure that our state agencies are staffed by some of the best-trained water professionals in the country.’’
Earlier, the Director General of the Institute, Dr Abduljalal Danbaba said that (NWRI) has both academic and research mandates, adding that it harmonises the activities of the 12 River Basins in the country.
He disclosed that the Institute has been recognised as a World Metrological Centre in Africa, disclosing that NWRI advises the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation on manpower needs and training.
Dr Danbaba disclosed that the Institute wants to boost its enrolment and that it is offering complimentary forms to Kaduna State Government, for short term courses to enhance its manpower development.
The Director General pointed out that the beneficiaries will only pay 50% of the registration fees
