Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the upgraded Matazu Semi-Urban Water Supply Scheme, featuring 17 wells, a 350,000-litre ground storage tank and solar-powered facilities.
The project, according to a statement issued by the Katsina State Government, is part of the administration’s broader efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water supply across the state.
Commissioning the scheme in Matazu Local Government Area, Governor Radda said the upgrade was designed to increase the facility’s capacity and improve the quality of life of residents in Matazu and surrounding communities.
The governor recalled that the water scheme was originally established in 1996, noting that the state government had significantly upgraded the facility to strengthen its capacity for potable water production and distribution.
The upgraded scheme now comprises 17 wells, while its ground storage tank has a capacity of about 350,000 litres. The elevated tank can store approximately 15,000 litres.
Radda also said solar-powered installations had been incorporated into the facility to reduce its dependence on public electricity supply and improve the reliability of water production and distribution.
He described the investment, which runs into billions of naira, as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to essential infrastructure and improved public services across Katsina State.
However, the governor stressed that the long-term sustainability of the facility would depend on responsible management and community ownership.
“These are modern water facilities that require proper care and effective community monitoring. I therefore appeal to the people of Matazu to take ownership of this project and ensure that it continues to serve the community for many years to come,” Governor Radda said.
He disclosed that the community had constituted a committee to support the management and monitoring of the scheme and urged its members to work with relevant government agencies to maintain the quality and functionality of the facilities.
Radda also assured residents that requests and appeals presented by the community, particularly those concerning infrastructure and development, would be carefully considered by the state government.
He commended the Member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, for his contributions to the development of the area, describing him as a leader committed to his constituents.
The governor also appreciated members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Matazu for their support and commended residents for their prayers and continued cooperation with the government.
He particularly praised the people for supporting efforts to improve security in the area, stressing that peace and security remained critical to sustainable development.
Water projects planned across Katsina
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa, said the Matazu project formed part of the state government’s wider programme to expand and rehabilitate water infrastructure across Katsina.
Sullubawa disclosed that almost eight locations had been selected by Governor Radda for the implementation of water works projects, describing the initiative as part of the administration’s strategy to improve access to potable water.
He appealed to beneficiary communities to protect, properly use and maintain the facilities, stressing that community ownership was necessary to sustain government investments in the water sector.
The commissioner commended Radda for his commitment to water infrastructure development and said the ministry would continue working with communities and other stakeholders to ensure that water facilities remained functional and delivered their intended benefits.
The District Head of Matazu, Alhaji Iro Maikano, also commended the state government for its development interventions in the area, particularly the upgrade of the water scheme.
Maikano appealed to Governor Radda to consider constructing the Gwarjo-Mazoji road, saying the project would improve access and connectivity for communities along the route while supporting agricultural and irrigation activities.
He assured the government of the community’s cooperation in protecting and maintaining the upgraded water facility.
The commissioning was attended by the Member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Alhaji Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi, Executive Director of Agricultural Services at the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority and Chairman of the Board of Amana Microfinance Bank; Alhaji Aminu SDY; Alhaji Mansir Sarkin Arewa; and members of the Katsina State Executive Council.
Others in attendance included the Executive Director Coordinator of STOWASSA Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal-Dankaba; heads of RUWASSA and SURWASH; the Deputy Chairman of the Katsina State APC, Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, who represented the State Chairman; local government chairmen; traditional and religious leaders; community representatives; and other stakeholders.
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