By FUNMI OLASUPO

ABUJA – The Federal Government has commenced the construction of Zaria Water Supply expansion project. The project located in Zaria and Kaduna states was started in 2006 with the construction of Galma multipurpose dam by the Federal Government mainly for supply of raw water to various communities, as well as irrigation and power generation.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe who launched the construction of the project in Kaduna, said the project is a partnership with Kaduna State Government, African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.

She said;  “Our gathering here today is yet another milestone that will build on the effort of the Federal and State Governments through the support of our development partners.”

A statement signed by the Deputy Director Press, Boade Akinola quoted the Minister as saying that “the transmission mains, reservoirs and distribution networks to be constructed with the facilities being provided by Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank will enhance the vision of providing sustainable potable water and adequate sanitation to the Zaria Township and surrounding villages”.

She said “phase one of the project which comprises construction of dam, the civil work for the hydropower component and the intake pipe for the irrigation component have been completed, adding that efforts had being made to ensure the completion of the second phase that will include supply and installation of turbine, development of 400ha of farmland, contraction of irrigation canal, land leveling and water conveyance headwork. Ochekpe explained that the Federal Government through her Ministry has embarked on several initiatives that involve collaborative approaches in investment by different levels of government.

The Minister urged the implementer of the project to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme to the intended beneficiaries of the project in particular and Nigeria in general.

She further thanked African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank for supporting the Zaria Water Supply Expansion and Sanitation Project.

She urged other state governments to learn from Kaduna experience and join hands with Federal Government in collaborative efforts that will speedily turn the current situation of our water sector in the Country for the better.