By; DAHIRU SULEIMAN, Dutse
Stakeholders at the recent three days symposium on mitigating water shortages in Jigawa State have noted that lack of adoption of modern technology for sustainable water availability at all levels is attributed to poor management, coupled with overlapping functions amongst government agencies operating in the water resources sector which makes coordination very difficult.
In a four-page communique, the gathering observed that even though Jigawa State Government invested heavily in the provision of water to its populace, much is expected to be done in the area of proactive measures in operational management in meeting its demand adequately.
The gathering noted that the water sector is faced with challenges of lack of reliable and actionable data on Nigeria’s water resources and where such data exists, they are not wisely disseminated.
They argued that community participation has been neglected in water management.
It further noted that there is inadequate or insufficient power supply to water plants, seeking concerted efforts amongst water resources managers at all levels of government to serve as a guide for ground water prospecting and mining.
The symposium noted there is urgent need to promote community participation and ownership at all stages of curbing water shortage and propagate the involvement of critical stakeholders to be part of the process.
Also, they called for public inclusion to be encouraged in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
They further sought the promotion and adoption of simple, cheap and sustainable methods of water provision in communities experiencing severe water scarcity, and eradicating extreme water scarcity in communities.
They also advised government agencies operating in the water resources sector to ensure the development of a coordinated approach and thereby eradicating overlap of functions.
The overall goal of the symposium is to proffer solution towards alleviating water scarcity and to encourage private sector participation in the provision of sustainable water in partnership with government.
Also, it aimed at providing meaningful discussion and recommendations on how to affectively address water scarcity, engage relevant stakeholders and explore the adoption of the PPP model and applying it in the provision of water for sustainable national growth and development.
Least amongst the objectives of the symposium, includes, providing rural and urban low income communities access to water, eradicating extreme scarcity in communities and to promote the adoption of simple, cheap and sustainable method of water provision among others.
Earlier in his keynote address, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Hon. Minister of State Foreign Affairs, and Chairman DTCA represented by Ambassador Shuaibu Onoze the organizers of the symposium, highlighted the potentials of the symposium towards finding a lasting solution in mitigating water scarcity for the growth and development of Jigawa State and the country at large.
Similarly, Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State emphasized the need to find a practicable and cost effective way to provide water for domestic and industrial use at all times.
The symposium was attended by over 90 water experts and engineer’s drawn from various organizations and Institutions, LGA’S, CBO’s, media organization, among other relevant sectors.
During the three days Symposium on Mitigating Scarcity of Water in Jigawa State, about eight constructive papers were presented and digested by experts who participated.
