Kano Govt suspends water scheme manager over alleged vandalisation

The Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change has suspended the manager of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes following the alleged vandalisation and neglect of facilities at the project sites.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, announced the suspension in a statement issued on Monday evening.

Hashim said the manager’s suspension takes immediate effect pending an investigation into the condition of the water schemes, which he described as disturbing.

The commissioner expressed disappointment over the state of the facilities during an inspection visit to the sites on Monday.

According to him, infrastructure meant to provide water to residents of three local government areas has remained non-functional for several years.

He said inspection teams discovered that nearly all electrical wiring connected to generators and pumps had been stripped, while a power project completed at the Thomas Water Scheme just three months ago and yet to be commissioned had already been looted.

Mr Hashim also condemned the conduct of security personnel assigned to protect the facilities, alleging that they were found cultivating crops within the premises of the water scheme.

“Today, I visited the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes, and what I found was deeply troubling,” the commissioner said.

“Facilities meant to serve three local government areas have remained non-functional for several years. We found almost all electrical wiring stripped from generators and pumps.

“A power project completed just three months ago in Thomas, which is yet to be commissioned, had already been looted. Furthermore, security personnel hired to protect the plant were found farming on its grounds.”

He added that the ministry had ordered the immediate suspension of the scheme’s manager pending the outcome of investigations.

“I have ordered the immediate suspension of the scheme’s manager pending an investigation. Where criminal culpability is established, we will pursue full legal action,” he said.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to restoring water infrastructure across the state.

“His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is fully committed to restoring Kano’s water infrastructure. We are currently rehabilitating the Chalawa and Tamburawa water works, and we will ensure that all regional water schemes are fully revitalised,” he stated.

Mr Hashim also appealed to residents to support government efforts by safeguarding public facilities.

“While the government sustains its efforts to revive these water schemes, we call on the general public to do their part. Public assets belong to all of us, and we must all protect them,” the statement added.