Kaduna Targets 100% Water Supply Coverage by Late 2026 — Gov Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged that his administration will achieve 100 per cent water supply coverage across the state by late 2026, revealing that water production has increased from eight per cent to over 30 per cent within two and a half years.

The governor made the pledge on Saturday while receiving the management of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Kaduna. He attributed the improvement to a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s water infrastructure after years of neglect.

Sani lamented that the water sector had suffered systemic neglect for more than a decade, resulting in abandoned facilities, dormant treatment plants, and severely compromised distribution networks. According to him, urban renewal projects had also damaged pipelines, further reducing water supply across major cities.

“When this administration assumed office, we met a sector in deep distress. Water production had dropped to a staggering eight per cent,” the governor said.

He explained that the government responded with what he described as an unprecedented reform programme aimed at reviving and modernising water infrastructure statewide. Sani disclosed that between ₦93bn and ₦100bn has been committed from 2024 to 2027 to ensure every household enjoys a reliable supply of clean water.

The governor revealed that over ₦5bn had been spent on replacing vandalised and damaged pipes in Zaria and Kafanchan, while an additional ₦10bn is being invested in the replacement of critical pipelines in Kaduna. He added that ₦1.4bn has been invested in high-quality water purification chemicals.

Sani also said the government cleared ₦1.3bn in outstanding electricity bills to keep pumping facilities operational and spent over ₦900m to settle salary arrears owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation.

To strengthen long-term sustainability, the governor announced the allocation of land for NWRI branches in Zaria and Kachia to address manpower gaps through training and capacity building.

Earlier, NWRI Director-General, Dr Abduljalal Danbaba, said the institute would support Kaduna State with subsidised training to enhance professionalism in the water sector.