Kano govt suspends water manager over project site vandalism

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change has ordered the immediate suspension of the Manager of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes following the massive vandalization of the project site.

The suspension was announced on Monday evening by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, after an unscheduled inspection visit to the facility earlier that day.

Expressing deep displeasure over the condition of the facility, Dr. Hashim revealed that the water schemes, which were designed to supply water to three local government areas, have been non-functional for several years due to severe neglect and sabotage.

During the inspection, the Commissioner discovered that nearly all the electrical wiring had been stripped from the facility’s generators and water pumps. Shockingly, a newly completed power project at the Thomas site, which was built just three months ago and had not yet been commissioned, had already been completely looted.

Furthermore, Dr. Hashim expressed disgust after finding that security personnel hired and paid by the state government to guard the critical infrastructure had abandoned their duties to engage in personal farming on the plant’s grounds.

“What I found was deeply troubling. I have ordered the immediate suspension of the scheme’s Manager pending an investigation. Where criminal culpability is established, we will pursue full legal action,” the commissioner stated.

Dr. Hashim reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to solving the state’s water challenges, noting that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains fully focused on restoring Kano’s critical water infrastructure.

He disclosed that rehabilitation work is currently ongoing at the major Chalawa and Tamburawa water plants, and assured residents that all regional water schemes across the state will be fully revitalized.

The Commissioner concluded by urging host communities to support government efforts by actively vigilating over public property. “Public assets belong to all of us, and we all must protect them,” he added.