Sokoto revives massive water projects to end water scarcity

By Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

As part of measures to tackle water scarcity across the state, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, has revived two major initiatives aimed at providing clean and safe water to both the urban and rural communities.

This was disclosed by the state APC chairman, Isa Sadiq Achida, during a press briefing at the APC secretariat yesterday.

According to Achida, the initiatives were part of Governor Aliyu’s administration’s nine-point agenda and represent a critical step towards resolving a decade-long challenge of inadequate water supply in the state.

He said that the government had revived the 40-million gallons per day water project initially launched under former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but abandoned by the immediate past administration.

“Governor Ahmad Aliyu has not only revived the initiative but has also accelerated its progress, with completion targeted before the onset of the rainy season,”

he said.

He stated that the project spans six strategic locations in and around Sokoto metropolis, including Old Airport, Mana, Tamaje and Gagi, each with a capacity of three million gallons.

Others are two larger projects at Runjin Sambo with eight million gallons capacity and Ruggar Liman with 20 million gallons.

Achida disclosed that the Tamaje and Old Airport water schemes had already been completed and were awaiting commissioning, while the remaining sites were approximately 70 percent complete.

“Once finished, this project will drastically improve public health, enhance the quality of life and support the growing needs of Sokoto’s population,” he said.

In addition to the major water scheme, the government has also launched a borehole renovation project to complement the large-scale water supply initiative.

Achida stated that the project targets 19 key boreholes across metropolitan local government areas, including Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Kware and Dange-Shuni.

“Many of these boreholes were neglected for years by the previous administration. We are now renovating them and equipping them with modern, sustainable technologies, such as solar-powered pumps and advanced filtration systems,” Achida added.

He added that Governor Aliyu’s commitment to resolving Sokoto’s water crisis reflects a broader vision for inclusive and sustainable development.

“These projects not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term water security in Sokoto State,” he stated.