The Kano State Government has suspended the manager of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes following the discovery of widespread vandalism and neglect at the facilities during an inspection tour by state officials.
The suspension was announced by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru M. Hashim, after he visited the water schemes and observed extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
“Public assets belong to all of us, and we all must protect them,” the commissioner said.
According to a statement issued, the manager was relieved of his duties with immediate effect pending the outcome of an investigation into the vandalisation of the facilities, which are intended to provide water supply services to three local government areas.
Dr Hashim expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the schemes, revealing that they had remained non-functional for several years.
He noted that most of the electrical wiring connected to generators and pumping systems had been stripped by vandals, rendering the facilities inoperable.
The commissioner further disclosed that a power project at the Thomas Water Scheme, completed only three months ago and awaiting commissioning, had already been looted.
He also criticised security personnel assigned to protect the facilities, alleging that they were found cultivating crops within the premises instead of carrying out their security responsibilities.
“Today, I visited the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes, and what I found was deeply troubling,” Hashim 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.”
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The commissioner warned that individuals found responsible for the vandalism or negligence would face legal consequences.
“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 stated.
Hashim reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to restoring water infrastructure across the state. He noted that rehabilitation works are currently ongoing at the Chalawa and Tamburawa water treatment plants as part of broader efforts to improve water supply.
He added that the government remains determined to revitalise all regional water schemes and called on residents to help safeguard public infrastructure from acts of vandalism.
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