The Kaduna State Government is set to commit N93 billion over four years for the rehabilitation of the water sector in four tranches to address the neglect the sector has suffered over the past 10 years.
The Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Arc Ibrahim Hamza, made this known at a press briefing, disclosing that Governor Uba Sani has directed the payment of all outstanding salaries and wages to the staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC), amounting to N800 million.
Arc Hamza further disclosed that the staff of KADSWAC will be put back on the state’s payroll until 2027, when the corporation must have fully stabilised to run as a commercial entity.
The commissioner recalled that the governor had earlier declared a state of emergency in the water sector three months ago, which led to the appointment of Engr. Kabir Rufai as the substantive Managing Director of KADSWAC.
“The corporation will collaborate with local governments to maintain generator operations. It will strengthen existing water laws to support corporate employment policy,” he said.
According to him, Kaduna State is investing heavily in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of all water treatment plants and distribution mains, with an emphasis on sanitation and hygiene
Arc Hamza pointed out that the N93 billion will be invested in four instalments, starting with N17 billion this year.
He added that N35 billion will be invested next year, N30 billion will be invested in 2026 and N11 billion will be invested in 2027.
