The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, officially flagged off the construction of the Greater Dutse Water Supply Project at a groundbreaking ceremony held in Sintilmawa, Jigawa State.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described the project as a transformative milestone in addressing water supply challenges and enhancing the quality of life for over 1.5 million residents of Dutse and its environs.
He further pointed out that the project, conceived to address a daily water supply deficit of 10 million liters, has been made possible through Federal Government’s intervention and years of meticulous planning, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and detailed designs. He reiterated that the Federal Executive Council, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, approved ₦59.46 billion for the initiative, which is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The Minister outlined the project’s key components, including the construction of 35 industrial boreholes equipped with solar-powered pumps, the installation of a 1,000m³/hr water treatment plant with supporting infrastructure, and the construction of reinforced concrete storage tanks and Braithwaite tanks at strategic locations.
He added that the project will also include the laying of 56.6km of HDPE pipelines for water transmission, the installation of solar systems, transformers, and generators to power the scheme, as well as the development of administrative and staff facilities at project sites.
The Minister emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the project, including job creation, economic growth stimulation, and improved access to clean and safe drinking water. He further announced the establishment of a dedicated Project Implementation Unit comprising representatives from the Ministry of Water Resources, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, and the Jigawa State Government to ensure timely completion and adherence to budgetary allocations.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State commended the Federal Government for its commitment to addressing the perennial water scarcity in Dutse and surrounding areas. He noted that the project would bring significant development to the state, fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise to prioritize infrastructure and basic needs.
Other dignitaries, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli; the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi; and the outgoing MD of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority,Ma’amun Da’u Aliyu, lauded the initiative and pledged their support.
The ceremony featured a project overview presented by Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
High-ranking officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the water resources sector, were also in attendance.
The event culminated in the official groundbreaking and handover of the project to the contractor for immediate commencement.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and PR
