From Samaila Bayo, Birnin kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has assured residents of Birnin Kebbi metropolis that water supply will be fully restored within few days, following ongoing repair works at the Birnin Kebbi Water Works.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection visit to the Dukku Water Works, Birnin Kebbi, to assess the level of progress on the ongoing repairs.
Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, who led the task force constituted by Governor Nasir Idris explained that the committee was mandated to ensure the restoration of water supply to residents of Birnin Kebbi within the shortest possible time.
Addressing journalists at the site, the SSG stated that the disruption in water supply was caused by an overflow incident at the water works, which necessitated a temporary shutdown of operations.
He noted that that task force, comprising the Commissioners for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK; Home Affairs and Internal Security, Alhaji Haliru Wasagu; Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Garba Salisu Takware and Water Resources Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Kaoje as well as the Permanent Secretary and technical staff of the Ministry, was already on ground and had recorded significant progress.
He said the task force will remain at the water works until full functionality is restored. He alsa appealed to the media to support government efforts by keeping the public well - informed through accurate and timely reporting .
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Isah Arzika, explained that a burst occurred at the intake section of the water works during early morning lifting operations, resulting in the submergence of some lifting machines.
He said prompt intervention by technical staff helped to minimize damage, as the machines were immediately shut down and emergency evacuation carried out. By 11:00 pm the same day, floodwater had been completely evacuated, with all six intake machines now visible and removed from the water.
Alhaji Arzika added that engineers are currently dismantling the machines through drying and testing, expressing optimism that the equipment would remain in good condition due to timely response.
He assured residents that the Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, is doing everything humanly possible to restore normal water supply with minimal delay.
In his remarks , the General Manager, Kebbi State Water Board, Engr. Zayyanu Shehu, confirmed that water supply would be restored within a few days, explaining that the brief delay was necessary to allow for proper drying of the high-lift machines.
He assured residents that competent technical staff are handling the situation and expressed confidence that normal water supply would resume within three days.
