The Niger state government has expended over N3billion on water projects across the state in the last four years, the state commissioner of Water Resources and Dams Development, Mamman Musa has said.
Musa stated this yesterday in a press conference in Minna adding that the government will need three billion naira to be able to provide uninterrupted water supply in the state.
He said the Chanchanga water works in Minna required over seven billion for total overhauling while assuring that government was working hard to ensure the supply of quality water to the people.
He said that at the inception of the administration in 2015, the Chanchanga water works was functioning at only 30 percent while that of Suleja was 20% adding that these has improved to 55% and 60% respectively due to concerted efforts of government.
In the same vein, he said Bida water works was zero percent while that of Kontagora was performing at 20% adding that Bida is now 30% while kontagora is 60%.
He explained that the Lambata water works project abandoned over 14 years ago has been revived and completed by this administration at the cost of N410m adding that the project was recently commissioned by Governor Sani Bello.
He said, “the administration has also procured 50 pumps and motors towards increased performance in water supply in the urban centres. For effective and efficient water supply, government also procured 2,000KVA generator for Chanchaga water works and another 1,000KVA for Bida and another two units for Kontagora.
He said the state government is seeking the assistance of the federal government, adding that two international donor organizations are expected to donate $8 million and $33 million respectively towards execution of water projects in the sate
He said in the last four years, the ministry has sunk no fewer than 365 boreholes while 100 others are ongoing in the rural areas across the state.