The Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change has suspended the manager of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes following the discovery of extensive vandalism and neglect at the facilities.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, announced the suspension in a statement issued on Monday after an inspection tour of the project sites.
According to the commissioner, the manager was immediately relieved of his duties pending the outcome of an investigation into the vandalisation of the water schemes, which are designed to serve three local government areas.
Dr. Hashim expressed shock at the condition of the facilities, noting that they had remained non-functional for several years. He revealed that most of the electrical wiring connected to generators and pumps had been stripped, rendering key infrastructure unusable.
He further disclosed that a power project completed at the Thomas Water Scheme just three months ago and yet to be commissioned had already been looted by vandals.
The commissioner also lamented the conduct of security personnel assigned to protect the facilities, alleging that they were found cultivating crops within the premises instead of safeguarding the infrastructure.
“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.”
He warned that anyone found culpable following the investigation 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 Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to restoring water infrastructure across the state, noting that rehabilitation works were ongoing at the Chalawa and Tamburawa water treatment plants.
He added that the government remained determined to revitalise all regional water schemes and urged residents to protect public assets from vandalism.
“Public assets belong to all of us, and we all must protect them,” the commissioner said.
