June 24, (THEWILL) – Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Tuesday commissioned a township water scheme in Sokoto designed to produce three million gallons of water daily for residents of the state capital.
Buni, who was a special guest at the event, commended his Sokoto counterpart, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, for his bold initiative to address the long-standing water scarcity in the state.
He also lauded the contributions of stakeholders, contractors, community leaders, and residents for their support in bringing the project to life.
Speaking earlier, Governor Aliyu described the commissioning as a significant milestone in his administration’s broader plan to revive and complete six major township water schemes across the metropolis.
Aliyu stated, “This project is part of our vision to provide a consistent and improved supply of clean water to our people.
“When fully completed, the six water schemes are expected to generate a total of 40 million gallons of water daily, easing the burden of water scarcity that has plagued Sokoto residents for years.”
Recalling the dire state of water supply when he assumed office, Aliyu noted that residents were paying between ₦200 to ₦300 per jerrycan due to widespread shortages and infrastructural failure.
“The problem was further compounded by a lack of essential water treatment chemicals and dilapidated infrastructure,” he said.
In response, his administration moved swiftly to restore water supply across the state capital and surrounding communities.
However, Aliyu acknowledged that recent challenges—such as low electricity voltage and reduced water levels in the state’s main river sources—have affected water production.
To address the situation, he said the government had replaced obsolete equipment and provided an additional power source to the State Water Board.
Aliyu further revealed that contracts had been awarded for the completion of six township water schemes originally initiated under former governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
These include the Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo, and Ruga Liman Water Schemes.
The entire project is valued at over ₦14 billion, with work on the remaining schemes said to be progressing steadily.
“These are not just infrastructure projects—they are promises fulfilled, aimed at alleviating the hardship caused by water scarcity and empowering our communities toward a more resilient and prosperous Sokoto,” the governor stated.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
