The Commissioner for Water Resources in Kaduna State, Ibrahim Hamza, today disclosed that the state’s monthly revenue from water rates increased from N30 million to N130 million.
Hamza, who gave this hint during a media chat at the sidelines of the International Conference of the Nigerian Water Supply Association in Abuja, attributed the geometric rise in water revenue to the improved service delivery by the state water corporation and a new legislation on water services.
The theme of the conference is “Transforming Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Utilities into Financially Viable Entities”.
Specifically, the commissioner linked the feat to improvement in synergy between the corporation, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency and development partners.
He explained: “Prior to the inception of this administration, the corporation was generating a mere N30 million monthly; now, we make not less than N130 million every month.
“Kaduna residents now pay their water bills effortlessly because they enjoy the water they are paying for. We are, therefore, urging other state governments to improve their water agencies to meet the water needs of the people’’, Hamza added
On the purpose of the new law, the commissioner pointed out that the vision was to provide sustainable access to safe and sufficient water resources for the cultural, social and economic development needs of the citizens of the state.
According to him, the state government’s achievements in the water supply sector will also complement its efforts to improve health services, food security and alleviate poverty with the attendant implications for the development of the state.
