Sokoto Water Supply Hit by Repeated Pipeline Bursts
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Water Board has explained that the prolonged disruption of potable water supply in Sokoto metropolis and neighbouring communities was caused by repeated damage to major pipelines supplying raw water from the Rima River to the treatment plant.
The General Manager of the Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, said two main raw-water pipelines along Kware Road, near the treatment plant, were damaged, forcing the suspension of water production.
He explained that the Board rehabilitated an old alternative pipeline constructed during the administration of former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa as a temporary measure to restore supply.
However, Mika’ilu said the alternative pipeline burst only a few hours after pumping resumed, resulting in another shutdown.
He attributed the latest incident to the age and structural condition of the pipeline, which had reportedly remained unused for more than 20 years.
According to him, the prolonged period of disuse weakened the pipeline, making it unable to withstand the pressure generated when pumping operations resumed.
Mika’ilu assured residents that engineers were working to repair the damaged infrastructure, expressing hope that normal water supply would be restored within the next few days.
He commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for responding promptly to the situation by providing funds and other support needed to accelerate the rehabilitation work.
The General Manager said the provision of clean and adequate water remained a key priority of the administration under its 9-Point Smart Agenda.
He appealed to residents to remain patient, assuring them that the Board was making every effort to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
As an interim measure, he disclosed that the Board was drawing water from the Sokoto River through two other treatment plants to supplement supply to affected areas.
The Board said it remained optimistic that the situation would return to normal after the completion of repairs.
