By Philip Yatai

The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday mobilised relevant stakeholders in the water sector to promote sustainable use of groundwater for the development needs of the state.

The Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Thomas Gyang, who spoke after a road work to mark the 2022 World Water Day, described sustainable use of groundwater as key to the overall existence of humanity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road work which started from the ministry’s office along Sokoto Road to Yakubu Gowon Way in Kaduna, aimed at sensitising residents on the significance of groundwater and how to effectively use the precious resource.

The event was part of activities to commemorate 2022 WWD with the theme; “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible.”

“The main objective of this year’s celebration is to sensitise the public that groundwater may be invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere.

“We also want people to know that groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives and as such, we need to work together to sustainably manage this precious resource.

“Water has enormous and complex value for our households, food, culture, health, education, transportation, economics, and the integrity of our dear environment.

“If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite and irreparable resource,” he said.

Represented by Bashir Lere, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Gyang stressed the need for relevant stakeholders to support the government’s efforts in ensuring efficient and sustainable use of groundwater.

He said that the commemoration of the 2022 WWD has provided an opportunity for the state government to deepen collaboration with stakeholders to promote effective utilisation of water resources.

According to him, collaboration with key stakeholders will strengthen sensitisation campaign on the importance of exploring and exploiting groundwater with caution in line with best practices for sustainability.

He disclosed that the state government had made significant progress in the rehabilitation of existing water facilities, expansion and upgrading of the reticulation system as well as construction of new water facilities across the state.

Gyang said the projects had reached 97 per cent completion, adding that it significantly improved water supply coverage in the state.

“The achievements are the rehabilitation, retrofitting of nine water treatment plants, and expansion of water supply in urban centres of Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan, Kwoi, and Saminaka.

“Other water projects are currently ongoing and are at different stages of completion to improve the level of coverage and access to potable water and support irrigation farming across the state,” he said.

NAN reports that the commemoration of the 2022 WWD was organised by the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure in collaboration with its departments and agencies.

The agencies are the Kaduna State Water Corporation, Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission, and other non-state actors. (NAN)