Work on Zaria water expansion activated

The project started in 2006 with the construction of Galma multipurpose dam on completion of which it is expected that government would also improve irrigation as well as power generation.Speaking at the work activation ceremony, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, said the Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project was a collaborative initiative […]

The project started in 2006 with the construction of Galma multipurpose dam on completion of which it is expected that government would also improve irrigation as well as power generation.
Speaking at the work activation ceremony, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, said the Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project was a collaborative initiative between Federal Government of Nigeria, Kaduna State government, African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
“The transmission mains, reservoirs and distribution networks to be constructed with the facilities being provided by Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank will enhance the vision of providing sustainable potable water and adequate sanitation to the Zaria township and surrounding villages,” Ochekpe said
 She added that phase one of the project that comprised construction of dam, civil work for the hydropower component and the intake pipe for the irrigation component have been completed and effort was being made to ensure the completion of the second phase that will include supply and installation of turbine, development of 400 hectares of farmland, construction of irrigation canal, land levelling and water conveyance headwork.     
Ochekpe explained that the federal government through her ministry had embarked on several initiatives that involve collaborative approaches in investment by different levels of government and urged the implementer of the project to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme to the intended beneficiaries, in particular and Nigeria in general.
While thanking African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank for supporting the Zaria Water Supply Expansion and Sanitation Project, she urged other state governments to learn from the Kaduna experience and join hands with the federal government in collaborative efforts that will speedily turn the current situation of the water sector in the country for the better.