By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to restore water supply to residents of Birnin Kebbi metropolis, assuring that normal services will resume within a few days following an unexpected disruption at the Birnin Kebbi Water Works.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki, informed that the swift intervention followed the constitution of a high-powered Task Force by Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris to address the situation and ensure minimal inconvenience to residents of the state capital.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Dukku Water Works, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Tafida, assured residents that government was fully committed to resolving the challenge in the shortest possible time. “The disruption in water supply was caused by an overflow incident at the water works, which necessitated a temporary shutdown of operations. Our mandate is clear: to restore water supply to Birnin Kebbi as quickly as possible,” he said.

Alhaji Tafida explained that the Task Force, which includes the Honourable Commissioners for Information and Culture, Home Affairs and Internal Security, Rural and Community Development, and Water Resources, alongside top technical officials, has already recorded significant progress. “We will remain on ground until full functionality is restored, and we appeal to the media to support government efforts through accurate and timely reporting,” he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Isah Arzika, attributed the disruption to a burst at the intake section during early morning lifting operations. “Some lifting machines were submerged, but prompt intervention by our technical staff helped to minimize damage. The machines were immediately shut down and emergency evacuation was carried out,” he explained.

He further disclosed that by 11:00 p.m. the same day, floodwater had been completely evacuated and all six intake machines were recovered and removed from the water. “Engineers are currently dismantling the machines for drying and testing, and we are optimistic they remain in good condition due to the timely response,” Arzika stated.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Kebbi State Water Board, Engr. Zayyanu Shehu, confirmed that water supply would be restored within a few days. “The brief delay is necessary to allow proper drying of the high-lift machines, but competent technical staff are handling the situation. Normal water supply should resume within three days, Insha Allah,” he assured.

The Kebbi State Government reaffirmed its determination to ensure uninterrupted access to potable water for residents of Birnin Kebbi, stressing that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident.