The Kano State Government has obtained a N177.4 billion loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) to build new waterworks at Tamburawa and improve water distribution throughout Greater Kano.
This initiative is part of a larger plan aimed at enhancing access to clean water, addressing the needs of the state’s rapidly growing population.
Speaking at a two-day project coordination and review workshop in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Ali Haruna Makoda, emphasized the importance of the project.
“This initiative will drastically improve water supply in Kano, a vital necessity for our rapidly expanding population. The delays we faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen challenges are now behind us, and we are confident this project will be completed within the next two years,” said Governor Yusuf.
The project is being implemented under the National Urban Water Reform Project, with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation providing guarantees.
The Managing Director of the Kano State Water Board, Garba Ahmad Bichi, elaborated on the scale of the development, noting that the Tamburawa waterworks will feature an additional water intake station with a capacity of 250 million litres per day.
“The additional waterworks will significantly address Kano’s water shortages, particularly as the city continues to experience rapid population growth,” Bichi stated. “This project will not only enhance our water infrastructure but also provide sustainable solutions for the future.”
The workshop saw participation from representatives of Plateau, Enugu, and Ondo states, highlighting a national interest in improving water distribution and implementing urban water reforms.
Kano residents have struggled with inadequate water supply for years, and many are optimistic that this project will mark a significant improvement. The new Tamburawa waterworks are anticipated to bring much-needed relief and ensure access to clean water for millions of citizens in Kano.