Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has appealed to residents, particularly those in Minna metropolis, to remain patient amid the ongoing water shortage, assuring that decisive measures are underway to address the situation.
The governor made the appeal during a media briefing at the Government House in Minna, where he addressed pressing concerns affecting residents, including water scarcity, electricity supply, and insecurity in parts of the state.
Bago attributed the persistent water challenges to decades of neglected infrastructure, explaining that many pipelines, some installed over 30 to 40 years ago, have deteriorated and broken down. He noted that rapid population growth and ongoing construction activities in the state capital have further strained the aging water system.
To provide a long-term solution, the governor disclosed that the state government has commenced a comprehensive overhaul of the water infrastructure. The plan includes desilting the Tagwai Dam, replacing obsolete pipelines, rehabilitating the distribution network in Minna, and expanding reservoirs and water articulation systems to improve access to potable water.
As interim measures, the government has begun deploying water tankers to supply affected communities. It is also partnering with development agencies to drill boreholes in areas with limited access to safe drinking water.
On electricity supply, Bago urged residents to explore alternative power sources, revealing that key public institutions, including hospitals, schools, and the Government House, have been migrated from the national grid to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Addressing security concerns, the governor said the state government is collaborating closely with the Federal Government to restore peace in troubled communities. He revealed that more than 300,000 people have been displaced across 10 local government areas due to insecurity and flooding.
Bago concluded by commending members of the press for their continued support and encouraged them to sustain professional and objective reporting of government activities.
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