Chinese construction firm to upgrade Ajiwa Water Works in Nigeria

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Kaido Engineering, a Chinese construction firm has signed a US$12.6m contract with the Katsina State Government for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Ajiwa Water treatment plant in Nigeria.

According to Salisu Dandume, the state Commissioner of Water Resources, the contract components included repairing of storage tanks, construction of the access road, laying of pipelines and replacement of the outdated equipment.

However, the project is expected to be completed within a period of 18 months. On completion the project is expected to boost the state’s water supply with over 40million litres of water daily in line with the effort to solve the perennial water scarcity experienced in Katsina metropolis.

Ajiwa water treatment plant, was constructed and commissioned in the 70’s, and was later neglected by the previous administrations despite serving the Katsina state capital and its environs. The Federal Government is expected to look into some of the challenges that are faced by the state water board and make it independent without interference by the state ministry of water resources.

In fact, the board has already been reduced to a mere department under the state ministry of water resources and all its powers to execute its mandate had been pocketed by the ministry. On the other hand, the Association of Retired Civil Servants of the state Water Board has been handled the responsibility to come up with suggestions on how to move the board forward effectively.

According to Alhaji Isah Matazu, the association chairman, the association will also serve as a consultant offering suggestions and recommendations on how to solve the perennial water supply in the state.