By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the Tsagero Small Town Water Supply Scheme in Rimi Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing safe and reliable water to communities across the state.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the governor described access to clean water as a basic human necessity rather than a privilege, stressing that every community deserves sustainable water services to support healthy living and development.
Radda said the newly completed water scheme would significantly improve access to potable water for residents of Tsagero including households, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses while reducing the burden of water collection often borne by women and children.
According to him, the project is designed to improve sanitation and hygiene, strengthen public health and stimulate economic activities within the community. He noted that reliable water supply remains a key driver of social and economic development.
The governor explained that water sector development remains one of the major priorities of his administration because of its direct impact on healthcare, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
He added that improved access to water enables communities to become healthier, more productive and resilient.
Radda disclosed that the state government has continued to invest heavily in water infrastructure through budgetary allocations and support from development partners, including the World Bank backed Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene SURWASH and SPIN projects.
He listed several ongoing interventions in the sector, including the monthly provision of diesel and treatment chemicals for water production, the ongoing Zobe Water Supply Project Phase 1B, installation of pumps and motors across operational districts, construction of a new pump house at Ajiwa Water Treatment Plant, rehabilitation of Barhim Reservoir and reforms aimed at automating Water Board operations and revenue collection systems.
The governor further revealed that contracts had been awarded for the construction of 66 small-town water supply schemes across various local government areas of the state.
He stated that 32 of the projects had already been completed and were either operational or awaiting commissioning, describing the achievement as evidence of his administration’s determination to tackle water supply challenges.
He assured residents that more water schemes would be constructed and expanded across the state but stressed that the sustainability of the facilities would depend on proper management, regular maintenance and community ownership.
He urged community leaders and residents to protect the facility and ensure its responsible use for future generations.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources Hon. Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa said the water sector had recorded significant progress under Governor Radda through the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure across the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency STOWASSA, Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba disclosed that the Tsagero scheme consists of 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 stand posts.
