Some residents of Kano city have expressed anger and disappointment over the persistent scarcity of water that has hit almost all parts of the city.
Daily News 24 reports that the scarcity of water has been a longstanding issue that has plagued the state for several years.
However, during the 2023 governorship campaign, the current state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, then a candidate of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) had chided the then administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for its failure to address the persistent water problem.
But when, Mr Yusuf finally won the governorship polls, he had in his inauguration speech highlighted the new government’s resolve the fix the water scarcity issue.
Subsequently, the governor had appointed a former minister Ahmad Garba Bichi as the Managing Director of the state’s water board and also declared a state of emergency on water.
For about a month, water was restored in certain communities before it disappeared again, prompting a new round of difficulties for residents.
Speaking to our correspondent, a resident of Naibawa Quarters, Garba Mudi, complained that he has always struggled to soure water for his household especially during Ramadan, when demand for water appears to increase.
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“Everyday, we struggle to get water for our domestic needs. We often rely on water vendors who also suffer to get the water for us,” he said.
“We thought that this government would be different from the previous one considering the promises made by the governor (Abba Yusuf) to address the persistent water scarcity. But here we are,” he said.
Another resident of Sallari Quarters, Sani Ibrahim said residents could spend hours trying to find water vendors to supply them even with their own money.
“Most of the times we have to rely on some neighbours who have boreholes to help us. But the queue in those houses are usually unbearable.
“And the situation is always made worse by the current electricity scarcity. This is because the boreholes must be powered by electricity,” he explained.
Mr Ibrahim said residents feel betrayed by the seeming lack of commitment by the Kano state government in addressing water scarcity in the city.
“Honestly, we feel betrayed. We thought that things would be different with the new administration of Governor Abba. But still, we have not lost hope. They should please be more serious in resolving this problem,” he added.
In March, at the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, the state government apologised in a widely publicised public message sponsored on radio stations over the perennial water scarcity.
In the jingle, the Kano State Water Board said the situation was not intentional.
The board explained that the scarcity was as a result of ongoing repair works at its water treatment plants at Challawa and Tamburawa.
According to the board, the work is being carried out for improvement in water supply to the entire city and its environs.
“We sincerely apologize for the water scarcity being experienced in the state.
“It is not deliberate. The scarcity was caused by repair works currently taking place at our treatment plants at Challawa and Tamburawa.
“The work is currently going on and will be done in the next few days,” the board had said in the jingle.
