Sokoto Begins Emergency Repairs as Major Pipeline Rupture Disrupts Water Supply
Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has commenced emergency measures to restore potable water supply following the rupture of a major raw water pipeline linking the Kware Water Intake to the New Extension Water Treatment Plant, a development that has disrupted water distribution across the state capital and surrounding communities.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring residents continue to have access to safe drinking water despite the setback, describing the incident as a serious challenge requiring immediate intervention.
This assurance was given on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Aminu Abdullahi Iya (Iyan Sokoto), during an inspection of the damaged pipeline along the Sokoto River.
Leading senior officials of the Ministry of Water Resources and the Sokoto State Water Board, the commissioner assessed the extent of the damage caused by the rupture, which occurred on Sunday night following a heavy downpour.
The damaged pipeline serves as a critical channel for transporting raw water from Kware to the treatment plant that supplies thousands of households, businesses and public institutions within Sokoto metropolis.
The incident has significantly affected water production and distribution, triggering concerns among residents and prompting swift action by the state government and relevant agencies.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Alhaji Iya said the government was deeply concerned about the disruption and had already activated emergency response measures to restore normalcy.
“The pipeline was submerged and several components were washed away by the floodwaters.
“As a result, water pumping operations were severely affected, disrupting the supply of treated water to residents,” he explained.
He disclosed that engineers and technical experts had been mobilized to the site immediately after the incident was reported.
According to him, the government is currently exploring alternative supply routes to reduce the impact of the disruption while permanent repairs continue.
“The government shares the concerns of residents and understands the hardship caused by this development.
“We have already swung into action and are working tirelessly to provide alternative means of water supply while repairs are ongoing,” he stated.
The commissioner noted that the ongoing rainy season has complicated repair efforts, as rising water levels and heavy sand deposits have made access to the damaged infrastructure difficult.
“We are facing technical challenges due to the high water level and massive sand accumulation around the affected section of the pipeline.
“Full repairs will be completed once weather conditions improve and access becomes safer,” he added.
Beyond addressing the immediate crisis, the commissioner said the state government was pursuing a comprehensive modernization programme aimed at revitalizing the state’s water infrastructure.
He revealed that substantial provisions had been made in the 2026 budget to replace aging equipment, upgrade facilities and improve the operational efficiency of the State Water Board.
“The government recognizes that sustainable water supply requires modern infrastructure.
“That is why adequate budgetary provisions have been made to replace obsolete facilities and strengthen the capacity of the Water Board,” he said.
Iya commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritizing water supply under his Nine Point Smart Agenda, describing access to clean water as essential to public health, economic growth and social development.
He also praised the commitment of Water Board personnel who have been working around the clock to address the emergency.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Sokoto State Water Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, said technical teams were deployed immediately after the incident and have continued repair work despite difficult conditions.
“Efforts are underway to fix the problem as quickly as possible so that residents can once again enjoy uninterrupted access to safe and reliable drinking water,” he said.
The General Manager disclosed that water tankers had been mobilized to provide emergency supplies to hospitals, health facilities and other critical public institutions pending the restoration of normal services.
He said the incident had underscored the need for stronger infrastructure protection and improved maintenance systems.
“This challenge has strengthened our determination to ensure that every resident has access to clean and adequate drinking water.
“We will intensify maintenance efforts, improve response mechanisms and develop alternative supply routes to minimize future disruptions,” Mika’ilu assured.
He appealed to residents to remain patient and continue supporting the ongoing repair efforts while assuring them that the government remains committed to resolving the situation as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate the understanding, patience and cooperation of the people of Sokoto State.
“Every available resource is being deployed to ensure the speedy restoration of water supply,” he said.
Residents were also advised to conserve available water, make adequate storage arrangements and monitor official updates from the Water Board as repair works progress.
The inspection team included the Secretary of the Sokoto State Water Board, Shuaibu Muhammad Boyi, alongside engineers and other technical experts supervising the intervention.
The incident has once again brought into focus the growing challenge of maintaining critical public infrastructure amid increasing climate related pressures, reinforcing the need for sustained investment in resilient water systems across Nigeria.
