The Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe has on Thursday 14th November, 2013 in Kaduna launched a project on the Contraction of Zaria Water Supply Expansion for supply of raw water as well as irrigation and power generation to the communities in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Sarah Ochekpe during the launching said that the Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Government, the Kaduna State Government, the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank. Adding, the project started in 2006 with the construction of the Galma multipurpose dam by the Federal Government.
“Our gathering here today is yet another milestone that will build on the effort of the Federal and State Governments through the support of our development partners. The transmission mains, reservoirs and distribution networks to be constructed with the facilities being provided by the Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank will enhance the vision of providing sustainable potable water and adequate sanitation to Zaria township and surrounding villages,” he noted.
She further explained that the first phase of the project comprising the construction of a dam, the civil work for the hydro-power component and the intake pipe for irrigation has been completed. She added that effort is now being made to ensure the completion of the second phase which includes supply and installation of turbines, development of 400 hectares of farmland, contraction of irrigation canals, land leveling and water conveyance headword.
According to her, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Water Resources has engaged collaborative ventures with varied organizations on investment activities at different levels of Government. While urging the implementer of the project to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme to the intended beneficiaries, the Minister expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank for supporting the Zaria Water Supply Expansion and Sanitation Project.
Ochekpe demanded State Governments to learn from the Kaduna State experience and join hands with the Federal Government in its collaborative efforts, so as to speedily turn the current situation in the water sector to the better.
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