The Society for Water and Sanitation on Wednesday in Kaduna stressed the need for the re-establishment of Ministry for Water Resources for effective coordination and delivery of potable water to the people of Kaduna state.
Speaking through Rev. Kuzasuwat Peter, coordinator of the society during a media briefing in commemoration of the 2022 World Water Day, it said downgrading the ministry to a department, was counter-productive
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) rrecalls that the Kaduna State Government had in 2019, reduced the ministry to a department under the Ministry for Public Works and Infrastructure as part of its reform agenda.
The Society expressed concern over what it described as the “progressive and unabated emergence of dry zones” , known as “areas with no water supply” in both the urban and small towns in the state
It said that available record showed that 65 per cent of areas in Kaduna that had water in the past, currently have none.
It identified some of the areas as Rigasa, Unguwan Television, Unguwan Romi, and most parts of Unguwan Rimi, Unguwan Sarki, Mando, Gabasawa, Kawo, and Unguwan Boro,among others.
“We are also concerned that the multi-billion Naira Zaria Water Works is yet to operate to 50 per cent capacity, hence the emergence of dry zones in Zaria and environs”.
“We are also appealing to the state government to fast-track the completion of the Birnin Gwari Water Supply Scheme to ease access to potable water in the area,” the Society said.
According to it, restoring the Ministry for Water Resources will ensure effective coordination of all water related agencies such as the Kaduna State Water Corporation, RUWASSA, and Kaduna State Water Regulatory Commission.
It commended the state government for the huge investment on water infrastructure, including rehabilitations and maintenance of water facilities across the state.
It also commended the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) for increasing access to clean and safe water in rural communities.
The Society lauded the plan to create the Department of Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation and Department of Urban Sanitation to improve water supply and hygiene practices in the state..
NAN reports that the United Nations had set aside March 22 of year as ‘World Water Day’ to highlight the importance of fresh water, and advocate for sustainable management of freshwater resources.
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