Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has disclosed that his administration awarded contracts for the construction of 66 Small Town Water Supply Schemes across various local government areas as part of efforts to expand access to potable water and improve public health.
The governor made the disclosure on Thursday during the inauguration of the Tsagero Small Town Water Supply Scheme in Rimi Local Government Area, noting that 32 of the projects have already been completed and are either operational or awaiting formal commissioning.
According to Radda, the water schemes form part of his administration’s broader strategy to address water scarcity in rural and semi-urban communities while improving living standards across the state.
“As part of our commitment to expanding access to potable water in rural and semi-urban communities, we awarded contracts for 66 Small Town Water Supply Schemes across Katsina State. I am pleased to inform you that 32 of these schemes have been completed and are either operational or ready for commissioning across the 34 local government areas of the state,” the governor said.
He explained that the Tsagero project and similar interventions demonstrate the government’s determination to provide essential infrastructure capable of improving the welfare of residents and supporting socio-economic development.
Radda further revealed that the administration had constructed 150 household sanitation facilities and 500 household latrines, in addition to installing a 30,000-litre-per-hour water treatment plant aimed at enhancing water quality and sanitation standards in communities.
The governor noted that the newly inaugurated Tsagero water scheme would provide a safe and sustainable water supply to households, schools, healthcare centres and businesses within the community and surrounding areas.
He described the water sector as one of the key priorities of his administration, stressing that access to clean water plays a critical role in promoting public health, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
According to him, investments in water infrastructure are essential to improving the quality of life of citizens and reducing the burden associated with inadequate water supply, particularly in rural communities.
Radda, however, emphasised the need for proper management and maintenance of the facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability.
He called on traditional rulers, local government authorities and community members to take ownership of the projects by protecting the infrastructure from vandalism and ensuring its responsible use.
The governor reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement additional Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA) projects across the state as part of efforts to achieve universal access to safe, reliable and sustainable water services.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects that directly impact the lives of residents and contribute to the overall development of Katsina State.