By; DAHIRU SULEIMAN, Dutse
Despite its status as second position in the country in terms of access to the provision of water supply with 92%,(after Lagos State), according to the latest Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Exercise published by the National Bureau of Statistics with the support of UNICEF and other development partners, the metropolitan Dutse, the Jigawa State capital has been hit by acute scarcity of water supply.
Investigations revealed that most taps in the city have been without a drop of water for a couple of years, despite huge investment by government through the Jigawa State Ministry of Water Resources in the provision of water supply.
Least amongst the worst hit areas are, metropolitan Dutse, Zai Quarters, Katangare, Murabusawa, Sabuwar Maranjuwa, Old Maranjuwa Settlement and Gida Dubu Housing Estate, all in metropolitan Dutse and beyond where most residents rely on commercial water vendors who sell gallon of water between N30 to N50.
It added that these lapses might not be unconnected to the breaking down of 13 major supply pipes distributing water to all the nooks and crannies of the state capital within the last one year.
According to water board officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, “we have written severally to our superiors for quite sometime to no avail.”
This is contrary to earlier survey reports that Jigawa State has 49% of its households having access to basic hygiene services, which is the highest among the states in the country, but is engulfed by high concentration of filth all over the ancient city.
Further Investigations also revealed that the proclaimed 18 local government areas on certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) indices by the state government is noting short of a mirage going by the heap of refuse littering all over.
If the situation is allowed to persist unabated and un-checked, it may derail the state’s earlier status of being ODF free with the second highest in the country.
This has sparked the thinking of the larger public to prevail upon government to continue investments in the water and sanitation sector over the years, and the state’s investment of about N4.1 billion, with appreciable progress towards achieving universal access to safe drinking water and about 75% access to sanitation services by the end of year 2022, will be exercise in futility.
For example, Comrade Shehu Garki of Gida Dubu Quarters, said that it is unfortunate for government to be playing with our intelligence about its commitment in water sector but denying his community of such a basic amenity as water sustain life.
“We have been staying in this housing estate without water as most of our taps are without water for long periods of time. Even our motorized boreholes are without water. We constantly rely on commercial water vendors always for our domestic use.”
But for Commissioner of Water Resources, Alh Mohammed Garba Hannun Giwa, the state government has injected huge investments in carrying out major water works treatment aimed at ensuring steady supply to its populace.
According to him, the ultimate goal of the water sector is to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation services in the state.
“This, in turn, will safeguard public health and ensure that the citizens of the state live more qualitative and productive life.
“Our governor, Badaru Abubakar is committed to aligning with the belief that water is one of the most important aspects of life that has significant correlation with health and the general welfare of people, as such, his government considers the availability of potable water supply to the people as a critical factor for life and livelihood.
“Jigawa State Government acknowledges the positive correlation between improved water and sanitation services and health status of the population, thereby taking the issue of hygiene and improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a cardinal aspect of governance,” he said.
On the broken down water facilities, the state government assured of its commitment in effecting prompt services in meeting public demands of water supply.
“I have given directives to my lieutenants to forward me their requests on procurement of all needed water facilities for prompt action and we are on course,” he declared.
