Kaduna Govt. advances water reforms, expands access — Official

The Kaduna State Government says it has recorded significant progress in revitalising the water sector under the administration of Gov. Uba Sani.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Ahmed Maiyaki, said this in a statement on Monday in Kaduna to mark the 2026 World Water Day.

Maiyaki said the reforms reflected the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.

“Gov. Sani’s intervention in the water sector is deliberate and far-reaching.

“It is focused not only on restoring infrastructure, but on building a resilient, efficient and people-centred system that guarantees access to safe water for all.

“About 1.5 million residents had benefited from improved water, sanitation and hygiene services under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

“Through the SURWASH programme alone, about 1.5 million residents have benefited from improved water, sanitation and hygiene services,” he said.

The commissioner added that the reforms had also contributed to improved public health outcomes and supported economic activities across the state.

He said that the government, in 2023, declared a state of emergency in the sector to fast-track reforms and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Maiyaki listed key achievements to include the clearance of N900 million salary arrears owed to Kaduna State Water Corporation staff.

He said that the government procured 1,300 metric tonnes of water treatment chemicals worth N1.5 billion, with an additional 3,500 metric tonnes underway.

He added that the major water facilities in Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan, Kwoi, Manchok and Kagoro had been rehabilitated under the SURWASH programme.

Maiyaki said water production capacity had also increased from 450 million litres per day (MLD) in 2023 to 530.66 MLD in 2025.

He said the government had also invested over N16 billion for the full rehabilitation of six major treatment plants.

“The pipeline networks have been expanded, while new reservoirs were constructed and critical equipment installed to stabilise supply systems.

“The government has strengthened sector governance through the introduction of automated billing systems and the recovery of N5.74 billion in counterpart funding for the Zaria Water Project.

“The review of the state water law is ongoing,” the commissioner said.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining the gains.

“We remain committed to sustaining these gains and ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water for all residents,” Maiyaki said.