Sokoto Gov’t Pledges Robust Action After Pipeline Rupture
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has restated its commitment to the urgent restoration of adequate potable water to the people of the state.
The state government also reiterated it’s unwavering commitment to delivering adequate and safe drinking water to the residents of Sokoto city and its environs.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the state Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Iya, the Iyan Sokoto, gave the commitment on Wednesday when he led a high-powered technical delegation of the Ministry and the State Water Board on an inspection of a ruptured water pipeline on the Sokoto River.
Our Correspondent further learnt that the pipeline supplies raw water from the Kware Water Intake to the new Extension Water Treatment Plant in Sokoto.
It was observed that the rupture of the pipeline which occured on Sunday night after a heavy downpour had disrupted supply across Sokoto metropolis and its environs.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the inspection visit, the Water Resources Commissioner, Alhaji Aminu Dodo Iya said that the pipes were submerged while many of its accessories were removed.
The Iyan Sokoto added, “consequently, the water pipes were hence affected the pumping of potable water to the residents.
“This has caused a serious setback that hugely affected the operations of the state Water Board.
“The state government is worried just like the management as well as the staff of the water board that have been working round the clock to remedy the ugly situation.
“We have therefore swung into action as such we are urgently working on an alternative source of water to divert the pipeline and restore adequate water supply to the people of the state.”
According to the Water Resources Commissioner, efforts were on to repair the ruptured pipes and disrupted water flow.
“We can’t however complete the repair work now as the water level is high and the gravity of sand is too much.
“So, we can only complete the work when the rains subside.
“Efforts are also on top gear to modernize the equipment of the board as it had inherited aged facilities and infrastructure..
“Provisions have been made in the 2026 budget to provide new equipment and accessories as well as other related accessories to replace the aged and decayed ones.”
The Iyan Sokoto commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for prioritizing water supply and including it in his 9-Point Smart Agenda.
The Commissioner also applauded the management and staff of the State Water Board for always being diligent, resourceful and resilient in the discharge of their arduous duties.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the State Water Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, said that technical teams were immediately deployed to the affected section and repair works are ongoing.
He added that water tankers have been coordinated to serve critical facilities, especially hospitals and public institutions, pending restoration of normal supply.
“Right now, efforts are underway to fix this problem so that we can continue providing the good people of our blessed state with drinking water,” he stated.
Engr. Mika’ilu said the incident has reinforced the Board’s resolve to strengthen infrastructure and service delivery.
He pledged more proactive maintenance, faster response to faults, and investment in alternative supply routes.
“This matter has further strengthened our resolve to ensure that every resident of Sokoto State has access to adequate and clean drinking water at all times.
” Under the leadership of His Excellency Gov. Ahmad Aliyu, we will improve pipeline maintenance, speed up response to faults, and provide alternative supply measures to reduce the impact of such disruptions in the future,” the GM assured.
He appealed to the residents for patience and understanding while repairs are completed, and thanked them for their continued support and cooperation.
He added, “We once again ask for your patience and we appreciate the support you continue to give us,” Engr. Mika’ilu concluded.
“Residents are however advised to store water where possible and monitor official updates from the Water Board as repair works progress.”
The Secretary of the Sokoto State Water Board, Alhaji Shuaibu Muhammad Boyi was also part of the delegation.
