FG signs MoU with KTSG to complete Zobe Regional Water Project
NAN-AE-9
Water
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Katsina State Government for the completion of the Zobe Regional Water Supply Project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Zobe Water Supply Project was first awarded in 1992 and abandoned by previous governments.
On completion, the project would provide water needs of the people of Katsina, Dutsin-ma, Kankia, Kurfi, Kafin-Soli, Karofi and their environs.
The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, said the MoU became necessary due to the Federal Government’s determination to complete all abandoned water projects in the country.
Adamu said that the Federal Government would spend N12.5 billion on the completion of the project while the Katsina State Government would spend about N3 billion.
“The parties have also agreed that the Katsina State Government shall take over the execution and funding works of the project, which would involve essentially the distribution from Dutsinma hill tank to Karofi, Kafin Soli, Radda, Kankia and Charanchi,” he said.
Adamu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment in addressing urban water supply challenges by collaborating with the state governments.
He said the Federal Government was ready to synergise with states in order to improve the current state of water supply in the country, due to the huge capital required for the development of water infrastructure.
Responding, on behalf of the Katsina State Government, the Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, said that the state had demonstrated strong political will by signing the MoU with the Federal Government.
He said that the present administration of Gov. Aminu Masari placed a lot of priority on water projects to enhance the state’s socio-economic development.
Yakubu, who thanked the Federal Government for its intervention on water projects in the state, promised that the state would pay its N3 billion counterpart funds in the agreement.
NAN recalls that the Minister, who previously inspected Sabke, Dutsi and Mashi water supply schemes, observed that the construction works of these schemes were awarded on Feb. 9.
The Minister had assured the state government that the projects would start supplying water to the communities before the end of 2017.
“The construction works of Dutsi and Mashi Water Supply projects are practically completed and are now being test run,” he said. (NAN)
TAK/MOL/AFA
============
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
========================