From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Water Board has attributed the disruption of water supply across Sokoto metropolis to bursts in major raw water pipelines supplying water from the Rima River.
The General Manager of the Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, disclosed this while giving an update on efforts by the Board to rectify the fault and restore adequate supply of potable water to residents of Sokoto metropolis and its environs.
Engr. Mika’ilu said the two main pipelines located along the road to Kware, near the treatment plant, were damaged, forcing the Board to shut down operations.
“We have had some difficulties in providing water as we used to in the metropolis. This occurred due to our two main pipelines that supply raw water from the Rima River, which got damaged close to our treatment plant.
“This has stopped our operations for quite some time,” he said.
According to him, the Board resorted to an alternative pipeline constructed during the administration of former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.
He said the pipeline was rehabilitated and put into use on Friday, but another burst occurred a few hours after pumping commenced near the Sokoto Bridge, forcing another shutdown.
“With the help of God, we hope to rectify the issue in the next few days, Insha Allah.
“The pipeline has not been used for over 20 years and has some structural deficiencies that create a lot of pressure, making it burst whenever we try to use it,” he added.
The General Manager applauded the moral and financial support provided by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto to the Board.
“When His Excellency was informed about this, he immediately came to our rescue and provided us with funds and all necessary assistance to execute the job. We have executed the job perfectly.
“Unfortunately, after testing, we realised there was a structural anomaly in the pipeline, which was why it had remained redundant for over 20 years,” he said.
Engr. Mika’ilu said the Governor’s commitment to restoring water supply was in line with the administration’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, which includes the provision of clean and adequate potable water to the people of the state.
He appealed to residents of Sokoto metropolis and its environs to exercise patience, assuring them that engineers were working round the clock to restore normal water supply.
“We have not rested. We are doing our best to see that the system is working.
“These unfortunate incidents happen, but we are on our heels to make sure the issue is resolved as soon as possible,” he said.
As an auxiliary measure, the General Manager said the Board was utilising water from the Sokoto River through two other treatment plants to mitigate the current shortage until the damaged pipelines are repaired.
