Northern Pulse: World Water Day: Kaduna Govt Rehabilitates, Expands Pipeline Distribution Network

By Stella Kabruk

The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday said it has made progress in the rehabilitation of existing water facilities, expansion of the pipeline distribution network, and construction of new facilities in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, said this during a press briefing to mark World Water Day in Kaduna, with the theme “Water and Gender.”

He said, “This year’s World Water Day theme, ‘Water and Gender,’ focuses on the disproportionate impact of the global water crisis on women and girls.”

He added that the theme highlights how women and girls bear the brunt of water scarcity, sanitation, and hygiene responsibilities, often limiting their education, safety, and economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration was organised by the State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC), Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission (KADWREC), in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Water Resources, Mr David Roven, Aliyu said significant progress has been made, with about 97 per cent completion achieved, significantly improving water supply coverage.

He said other achievements recorded include the rehabilitation and retrofitting of all water treatment plants and the expansion of water supply in urban centres of the state.

“In Kaduna State, we recognise the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women and girls. Limited access to clean water affects not only their health but also their education and economic prospects.

“Our government is committed to addressing these challenges. Key initiatives include expanding water infrastructure to underserved rural areas, reducing distances to water sources; establishing and supporting women-led water management committees to ensure inclusive decision-making; and upgrading hygiene and sanitation facilities in schools, promoting girls’ education and safety,” he said.

He said the state is partnering with NGOs, development agencies, and communities to drive sustainable water solutions, adding that by empowering women through water access, opportunities for economic growth, education, and healthier communities are unlocked.

“The campaign, led by UNICEF and UN Women, aims to promote gender equality in water management, ensuring women’s voices, leadership, and agency are recognised.

“The goal is to make water a force for a healthier, more prosperous, and gender-equal future,” he said.

According to him, the state is exploring solar-powered water systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase access to community-managed water schemes by empowering locals to manage and maintain facilities.

He said that to sustain progress, the state government and its partners are scaling up community engagement and capacity building, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthening WASH governance and policy frameworks.

He added that this year’s theme highlights existing challenges and pushes for inclusive solutions to ensure women and girls have equal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“Several initiatives are addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene issues affecting women and girls in the state, including the SURWASH Programme, a World Bank-funded initiative providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural and urban areas.

“The programme has constructed modern toilet facilities and solar-powered boreholes in schools and health clinics, benefiting over 30,000 people.

“Operation TSAFTA, a government-led environmental initiative, is creating jobs for 5,000 youths and women to strengthen sanitation services.

“Others include the Pad the Girl Initiative, a programme providing free sanitary pads and menstrual health education to over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions.

“The Reusable Sanitary Pad Project, a UNFPA-supported initiative, trains adolescent girls to make reusable sanitary pads, improving menstrual hygiene and generating income.

“WASH Community Engagement under SURWASH encourages community ownership of water and sanitation facilities, promoting sustainability and protection,” he said.

He added that the initiatives aim to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly for women and girls.

He also urged residents to support government efforts by paying their water bills as and when due, following guidelines for drilling boreholes, safeguarding water projects in their areas, and reporting any leakage or broken pipes.

“This will go a long way in sustaining the facilities and achieving Goal 6 of the SDGs,” he said.