Water Scarcity Persists in Kaduna Despite N16 Billion Infrastructure Overhaul

Residents of Kaduna State are facing a deepening water crisis, even after the state government reportedly channelled more than N16 billion into upgrading major water supply systems. In various parts of Kaduna metropolis, households have reported dry taps for weeks, and in some cases, months.

This lack of consistent water supply has led many to depend on expensive water vendors and, concerningly, on unsafe water sources to meet their daily needs.

One resident from Unguwan Rimi shared, "We barely get water from the taps anymore. We are forced to purchase water every single day." Another individual from Barnawa expressed frustration, stating, "Despite all the money spent, our situation remains unchanged."

The scarcity has fueled a thriving informal water economy. Water vendors described journeys to distant boreholes to refill their containers, with the cost of water escalating. A vendor named Nazir Musa indicated that ten 25-litre jerrycans of water now command prices as high as N2,000, a significant burden for many households.

"We have to travel far to find water to purchase. It's a difficult task," Musa explained. "Sometimes, we spend hours just to get water, and we even pay private borehole owners for access."

Residents also highlighted the impact of rising electricity costs. They noted that vendors often incur costs to pump water from private boreholes, and these expenses are subsequently passed on to consumers.

"It's not only water scarcity; electricity costs are also high," a resident commented. "Even those selling water have to pay for pumping, making everything more expensive." This sentiment was echoed by Umma Lariba, a resident of Kawo, Kaduna.

The government, however, maintains that the rehabilitation efforts are part of comprehensive reforms aimed at improving water access and ensuring a stable supply across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, defended the government's actions, describing the reforms as "strategic and people-focused," designed to build a resilient and efficient water system.

He stated that the government is committed to not only increasing water production capacity but also to ensuring efficient delivery to homes through updated infrastructure. Maiyaki added that the N16 billion investment targets the rehabilitation of six major water treatment plants and the expansion of distribution networks.

According to Maiyaki, water production has seen a substantial increase, and numerous residents have benefited from improved services under current programmes. The state had previously declared a state of emergency in the water sector in 2023 to address long-standing issues like neglect, aging infrastructure, and service delivery failures.

Despite these investments and government assurances, residents continue to report inconsistent or non-existent water supply in many areas. This discrepancy has raised questions about the effectiveness of distribution mechanisms and the overall impact of the reforms.

Zubairu Ibrahim, a former employee of the Kaduna State Water Board, pointed out that the challenges extend beyond production capacity. He cited issues such as aging pipelines, frequent leakages, inadequate maintenance, and the rapid growth of the urban population as significant impediments to ensuring water reaches consumers.

An anonymous official from the water board acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but expressed confidence in the ongoing interventions. The official commended Governor Uba Sani's commitment to resolving the water supply challenges.

"We understand the hardships people are experiencing, and we acknowledge the challenges," the official stated. "However, considerable work has been done to repair the system, and the public will soon witness positive outcomes. Water supply is expected to stabilize."

The persistent gap between substantial financial investment and the daily reality of water scarcity has intensified scrutiny on the state's water sector reforms. Residents are urging for accountability and tangible improvements in water accessibility.