Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto state Governor Ahmed Aliyu has on Wednesday Commissioned a 14.1billion Tamaje Water scheme to combat water scarcity and improve public health. The project is one of six major water projects valued at over ₦14.1 billion.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Tamaje, marked a significant turning point in the administration’s efforts to provide sustainable access to clean and potable water for the rapidly growing population of the state capital and its surrounding areas.
Governor Aliyu described the Tamaje project as a “critical milestone,” asserting that the state can no longer ignore the soaring demand for water due to the city’s accelerating urbanization. He highlighted the importance of the project in fulfilling both developmental and humanitarian obligations.
“Access to clean and potable water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right,” the governor declared passionately, stressing that water access is essential not only for daily living but also as a foundation for public health and economic development.
Aliyu revealed that the Tamaje Water Scheme alone is engineered to supply an impressive 3 million gallons of water per day. Once all six schemes come online, the integrated system is projected to deliver a total of 40 million gallons daily — a transformative development in the state’s water supply capacity.
The other major water schemes currently underway are located in Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo, and Ruga Liman. Together, they form a strategic infrastructure network aimed at securing long-term water availability across Sokoto metropolis and its expanding suburbs.
Governor Aliyu also used the occasion to pay homage to former governor and current senator, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who initiated the Tamaje Water Scheme during his tenure. “We are building on the solid foundation laid by the previous administration. This is a continuation of that vision,” he stated, emphasizing continuity in governance.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who served as the special guest of honour. His presence, Aliyu said, demonstrated the spirit of national unity and collaboration that should guide developmental efforts across Nigeria.
Aliyu also took the opportunity to remind citizens that the success of such monumental projects lies in community ownership. He urged residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse, warning that any damage to the system would set back the state’s progress.
The governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for all Sokoto residents, noting that access to clean water is a non-negotiable cornerstone of his developmental agenda.
In his closing remarks, Aliyu called on public and private stakeholders to join hands with the government in maintaining and expanding water infrastructure across the state, promising that more projects will be unveiled in the coming months.
With the commissioning of the Tamaje Water Scheme, Sokoto takes a bold step forward in safeguarding public health, advancing sustainable development, and fulfilling the basic human rights of its citizens one drop at a time.
