By Aisha Sanusi Mohammed
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, has called on residents of the state to regard government water projects in their communities as personal property and protect them from vandalism.
Speaking during the Transformative Scorecard Live Interactive Programme, the Commissioner appealed to the people to give proper care and attention to the facilities, stressing the need to prevent miscreants from destroying the infrastructure provided for their benefit.
During the live phone-in segment, a listener, Isiyaka Abujan Kwata, suggested that government should appoint Water Ambassadors in communities to monitor and safeguard the facilities.
Responding, the Commissioner explained that while the idea was laudable, government remains cautious about adopting it due to past experiences where some appointed ambassadors exploited residents by collecting illegal fees. He cited three locations where such abuses had been recorded, emphasizing that government is committed to shielding citizens from exploitation.
In an interview on the programme, Commissioner Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki commended Governor Bala Abdulqadir Mohammed for what he described as a landmark investment in water projects across the state’s 20 local government areas.
“I really want to appreciate the support and commitment of His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulqadir Mohammed for providing memorable water projects across the entire state, not only in Bauchi metropolis but in all the 20 local government areas that are benefiting immensely. Before now, there was a serious shortage of water in Bauchi metropolis, but today, that has become history. With the main pumping machine at the Gubi Dam working effectively and the expansion of pipelines across the city, residents can now enjoy steady water supply. We also have preparations in place to extend sustainable water supply to all 20 local government headquarters, beginning with six Emirate headquarters. We have gone far in the process and, Insha Allah, we will commence before the end of His Excellency’s tenure.”
The Commissioner assured that government will sustain ongoing projects and intensify efforts to ensure reliable water supply across Bauchi State.