Kano Procures N1 Billion Submersible Pumps to Restore Pipe-borne Water Supply
By Worldview Magazine
Kano state government has procured ten submersible water pumping machines worth N1 billion to restore pipe-borne water supply in the state.
The 160 kilowatts capacity pumps, which have been procured alongside starter panels, are designed to discharge 1.2 million cubic litres of water per hour.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Haruna Dogowa, who unveiled the new pumping machines at Tamburawa water treatment plant, near Kano city, said the Abba Yusuf administration was determined to end water crisis in Kano state.
While six of the pumps, purchased from South Korea, will be installed at Challawa Water Treatment Plant, the remaining four will be installed at Tamburawa water plant.
Doguwa said the government is currently working to achieve an initial target of 450 million litres per day, and then gradually jerk up the supply level to meet the daily need (consumption) of 750 million litres.
Highlighting the domestic and industrial importance of water to humanity, Doguwa lamented the level of vandalism and looting of water pipes and machines across the two main water works and sub-treatment plants before the Yusuf administration came onboard.
According to him, about 50 per cent of water demand would be restored Ada soon as the new pumping machines are installed.
He said: “When we came on board, we met a serious level of vandalism across all the water plants, which resulted in acute shortage of water supply. Facilities were carted away; treatment plants were shut down intentionally for no reason, and pipes were uprooted and sold.
“You would weep to see the level of vandalism at a plant that supplies about 50 per cent of water to Kano. We are now trying to rectify the challenge and restore water supply in the state.
“The governor, being an engineer himself, personally assessed all the water treatment plants in the state and identified faulty raw water pumps as the primary issue. To resolve this, he procured these 10 new pumps, which we are unveiling today.
“Governor Abba Yusuf is also planning to expand some water treatment plants including those at Joda and Wudil that will cover the gaps.
“By the time we complete the installation of these new machines, supply will go as far as Jankara, Bela and the entire city centre.
“The challenges in the water supply have persisted since 2011, and the previous government abandoned the places and left Kano without water.
“Until this government came and revolutionised the system. Let me warn you that it is not going to be business as usual. To the staff of the water board and consumers especially the industries, they must pay their bills.
“Again, a stem warning goes to those who tap our water and channel it to their farms, or reserve in tanks for the purpose of selling, when people are yearning for drinkable water. We shall be taking drastic action against the owners of such farms and will not hesitate to take over those farmlands.”
