Minna water crisis: Bago seeks residents’ patience, rolls out intervention measures

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has appealed to residents of Minna and its environs to remain calm and patient as the state government intensifies efforts to resolve the lingering water shortage affecting the metropolis.

The governor made the appeal while addressing journalists at the Government House, Minna, where he spoke on key challenges confronting residents, including water scarcity, electricity supply and insecurity in parts of the state.

Bago attributed the persistent water crisis to decades of neglected and ageing infrastructure, noting that several pipelines serving the state capital, many installed over 30 to 40 years ago, have deteriorated and are no longer functional.

He explained that ongoing construction activities, coupled with rapid population growth in Minna, have further strained the existing water supply system.

According to him, the government has commenced comprehensive measures aimed at providing a lasting solution to the problem. These include the desilting of Tagwai Dam, replacement of obsolete pipelines and rehabilitation of the water distribution network across the metropolis.

The governor added that plans were also underway to expand water reservoirs and improve articulation systems to enhance access to potable water for residents.

“As interim measures, we have deployed water tankers to supply affected communities, while working with development partners to drill boreholes in areas with urgent need for safe drinking water,” he said.

On electricity supply, Bago urged residents to explore alternative energy sources, disclosing that critical public institutions such as hospitals, schools and the Government House had already been migrated from the national grid to guarantee uninterrupted services.

He further revealed that the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to address insecurity and restore normalcy in troubled communities.

The governor lamented that insecurity and flooding had displaced more than 300,000 persons across 10 local government areas in the state.

Bago also commended members of the media for their continued support and encouraged journalists to sustain professional and objective reportage of government activities.