By Dipo Olowookere
The sum of N12.5 billion has been set aside by the Federal Government for the completion of the Zobe Regional Water Supply Project in Katsina State.
The project had been abandoned for many years, but the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the state, partnered with the state government to complete the project.
The project was revisited as a result of the determination of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to complete all abandoned water projects.
The Zobe Water Supply Project was first awarded in 1992 and abandoned by previous governments. The project when completed would serve Katsina, Dutsin-ma, Kankia, Kurfi, Kafin-Soli, Karofi and environs.
Signing an MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu, stated that, “The parties have also agreed that the Katsina State Government shall take over the execution and funding of Phase 1b works of the project, which would involve essentially the distribution from Dutsinma hill tank to Karofi, Kafin Soli, Radda, Kankia and Charanchi.”
Adamu reiterated Federal Government’s commitment in addressing urban water supply challenges by collaborating with the states. “Due to the huge capital required for the development of water infrastructure, the Federal Government is ready to synergize with states in order to improve the current state of water supply in the country”.
Responding, the Katsina State Government represented by the Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu said that the state has demonstrated a strong political will by signing the MoU with the Federal Government.
He said that the present administration of Aminu Bello Masari placed a lot of priority on water projects. He thanked the Federal Government on its intervention on water projects in the state. He added that the state would pay its 3billion naira counterpart funds in the agreement.
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