Sokoto State Water Board (SSWB) has provided alternative water supply schemes to residents following the submerging of two installations due flood from heavy rainfall experienced in the state.
The SSWB General Manager, Mr Sama’ila Umar-Sanda, disclosed this on Monday when he led the State’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Umar Bature, on inspection visit to the two affected sites.
The affected stations were Bi-Water Package Plants situated at Gangaren Tashar Illela along the tributaries of River Sokoto.
The General Manager said the installations had been submerged as a result of over flooding from the river, coupled with a torrential rainfall which lasted for many hours from Saturday Sept. 5 to Sunday Sept. 6.
Umar-Sanda said the over flow of the water into the plant, caused challenges to the services of the two stations as most of the sensitive sections had been submerged.
According to him, the sections comprise pumping house, power house and water chamber among others. He noted that the situation had compelled the board to remove some of the water pumps there to avoid total collapse of the stations.
The general manager added that nonetheless, water supply would be increased at Gagi pumping station, Runjin-Sambo, Gwiwa and New extension stations for the benefit of the people.
He, however, noted that as an interim measure, the board would look into the possibility of deploying water tankers in supplying water to people of the affected areas if the flooding doesn’t recede in time.
He restated their resolve toward providing portable water to the people.
Speaking after inspecting the plants, Bature described the incident as a natural phenomenon, adding that already, the problem had been predicted.
The commissioner said he personally briefed Gov. Aminu Tambuwal on the possible challenge to water supply system in the state capital.
Bature assured that government was doing everything possible to restore normal water supply to the people.
He called on residents to exercise patience and show understanding during the situation, noting that professional strategies would be deployed to ensure that supply of portable water was unhindered.
