The project was about more than the rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, noting that improved access to potable water would bring essential services closer to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and businesses
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the rehabilitated and upgraded Matazu Water Supply Scheme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to safe, reliable and sustainable water across the state.
The governor commissioned the facility in Matazu Local Government Area, describing it as a critical public asset that has served the community since 1996.
The upgraded scheme now comprises 17 boreholes, including 13 rehabilitated facilities and four newly constructed ones. It also has a 350,000-litre ground storage tank, a 150,000-litre overhead tank and a solar-powered inverter system to support consistent water production and distribution.
Radda said the project was about more than the rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, noting that improved access to potable water would bring essential services closer to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and businesses.
He said reliable water supply would also contribute to improved hygiene, public health and economic activities in the area.
The governor disclosed that more than 1,300 communities across Katsina State had benefited from various water supply interventions under his administration.
According to him, the government is simultaneously rehabilitating existing water schemes, restoring non-functional facilities, constructing new projects, expanding production and storage capacity, improving distribution networks and rehabilitating dams.
Radda also highlighted the role of development partners in the state’s water sector, particularly through the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) and Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) programmes.
He further said the ongoing Zobe Water Supply Project Phase 1B was expected to significantly improve water supply in Dutsin Ma, Kurfi, Charanchi, Kankia, Batagarawa, Katsina, Rimi and Safana Local Government Areas.
The governor said his administration would continue to pursue interventions aimed at ensuring that residents across the state have access to safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable water.
He, however, urged residents of Matazu and members of the Water Users Association to take ownership of the facility by protecting it against vandalism, promptly reporting faults and working with the Katsina State Water Board and Sewerage Agency (STOWASSA) to ensure effective maintenance.
Radda commended the Ministry of Water Resources, STOWASSA, engineers, contractors, consultants, technical teams, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.
He described the commissioning as more than the inauguration of a rehabilitated water scheme, saying it represented the restoration and strengthening of an important public asset for the benefit of present and future generations.
The governor expressed optimism that the upgraded facility would deliver lasting benefits to residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities, while praying for continued peace and prosperity in Matazu, Katsina State and Nigeria.