The monthly cost of the Kano State Government to supply potable water to Kano city is estimated to be around N1.2 billion.
During an interview with journalists in Kano on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Ali Makoda, disclosed the information. He said that the expenses included N400 million for diesel each month, N387 million for chemicals, and N280 million for electricity bills, in addition to other unforeseen costs.
“There are also other costs. We are fixing the prevailing water scarcity in the state capital and its environs. In a couple of days, the problem will be over,” Makoda said.
The commissioner blamed redundant machinery, mainly at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, which provides the majority of Kano’s water supply, for the state’s water scarcity.
“The high temperature in the metropolis is also a factor as people consume higher volumes of water to cope with the weather,” he added.
Merely twenty percent of the state’s water demand was met during the previous administration’s time, according to Makoda, who criticized them for their disregard for the water sector.
“During the tenure of the last administration, only 20 percent of the state’s water demand was met. Our administration has supplied more than 60 percent of the water needs of our people,” he claimed.
Makoda disclosed that the state government has teamed up with the French government to invest 63.4 million Euros in building the third Kano Water Treatment Plant in order to address the long-term problems with water supply.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring that there is enough drinking water in Kano; that is why Governor Abba Yusuf is taking decisive action, including allocating significant financial resources, to achieve this goal,” Makoda emphasised.