Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the Tsagero Small Town Water Supply Scheme in Rimi Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to clean and reliable water across the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Radda described access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human necessity rather than a privilege, saying the project represents another milestone in the government’s efforts to improve public health and living conditions.
“Access to clean and reliable water is not a privilege; it is a basic human necessity and a fundamental pillar of public health, human dignity, economic productivity and sustainable development,” the governor said.
He said the new water scheme would provide potable water to households, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses in Tsagero, while easing the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children.
According to the governor, improved access to water would enhance sanitation and hygiene, boost healthcare delivery, support education and stimulate local economic activities.
Radda said the water sector remains one of his administration’s priority areas because of its direct impact on health, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
The governor highlighted several ongoing interventions aimed at improving water supply across the state, including the ongoing Zobe Water Supply Project Phase 1B, the installation of pumps and motors in operational districts, construction of a new pump house at the Ajiwa Water Treatment Plant, rehabilitation of the Barhim Reservoir and several earth dams, as well as reforms to automate Water Board operations, billing systems, customer management and revenue collection.
He added that the government continues to support water production through the monthly provision of diesel and quarterly supply of water treatment chemicals, while also leveraging support from development partners under the World Bank-backed SURWASH and SPIN programmes.
Radda disclosed that contracts had been awarded for the construction of 66 small-town water supply schemes across several local government areas, including Katsina, Funtua, Baure, Kankara, Kafur, Daura, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Matazu and Faskari.
He said 32 of the schemes had already been completed and were either operational or awaiting commissioning.
“This achievement demonstrates our administration’s determination to address water supply challenges and improve the living conditions of our people,” the governor said.
He assured residents that the government would continue expanding water infrastructure until every community in the state has access to safe and sustainable water services.
The governor, however, urged community leaders and residents to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring their proper use and maintenance.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa, said the Tsagero project forms part of the state’s broader programme to rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure.
He noted that the sector had recorded significant progress under Governor Radda through the restoration of non-functional water schemes, expansion of distribution networks and execution of major water projects.
Sullubawa urged residents of Tsagero to safeguard the facility to ensure its sustainability.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, said the water scheme was designed to provide reliable water to residents across the town.
He explained that the project comprises 10 submersible pumps, a 300,000-litre ground reservoir, a 100,000-litre overhead tank mounted on a 9.6-metre tower and 30 public standposts to improve access to potable water.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Governor’s Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Engr. Surajo Yazid Abubakar; the Chairman of Rimi Local Government, Ali Mohammed Rimi; Chairman of Continental Group, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani, and other dignitaries.
