The Sokoto State Government has said a rupture in affected water pipes has disrupted the pumping of potable water to residents.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Iya, the Iyan Sokoto, stated this to newsmen when he led a high-powered technical delegation from the ministry and the State Water Board on an inspection of a ruptured water pipeline in the Sokoto River.
He noted that the incident has caused a serious setback that has hugely affected the operations of the State Water Board.
He restated the commitment of the state government to the urgent restoration of adequate potable water for residents of the state.
The government also reiterated its unwavering commitment to delivering safe drinking water to residents of Sokoto city and its environs.
Our correspondent gathered 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, which occurred on Sunday night after a heavy downpour, disrupted supply across Sokoto metropolis and its environs.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the inspection, the Water Resources Commissioner, Alhaji Aminu Dodo Iya, said the pipes were submerged and many of their accessories were removed.
The Iyan Sokoto added: “Consequently, the affected water pipes have disrupted the pumping of potable water to residents. This has caused a serious setback that has greatly affected the operations of the State Water Board.
“The state government is as worried as the management and staff of the water board, who have been working round the clock to remedy the situation.
“We have therefore swung into action and are urgently working on an alternative source to divert the pipeline and restore adequate water supply to the people of the state.”
According to the commissioner, efforts are ongoing to repair the ruptured pipes and restore water flow.
“We cannot, however, complete the repair work now because the water level is high and the sand deposit is too much. We can only complete the work when the rains subside.
“Efforts are also in top gear to modernize the equipment of the board, as it inherited aged facilities and infrastructure.
“Provisions have been made in the 2026 budget to provide new equipment, accessories, and other related items to replace the aged and dilapidated 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 their diligence, resourcefulness, and resilience in discharging their duties.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the State Water Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, said technical teams were immediately deployed to the affected section and repair works are ongoing.
He added that water tankers have been deployed to serve critical facilities, especially hospitals and public institutions, pending the 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 said.
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,” He assured.
He appealed to residents for patience and understanding while repairs are completed, and thanked them for their continued support and cooperation.
“Residents are advised to store water where possible and monitor official updates from the Water Board as repair works progress”.
