Residents of Gusau, Zamfara state capital have been thrown into difficulties following water scarcity that led to the standstill of commercial activities.
The abject water shortage which expelled people in the state capital to become restless in scout for required litres for family consumption, has spurred the price of 50 liter jerry-can to 50-70 naira.
Some residents complained that, the current price at which the water is being sold is unaffordable to the extent that they should look for another alternative which may lead to the possibility of Cholera outbreak.
A civil servant who enveloped his identity said, a struggle to find water for his family could not allow him to attend his office for the past three days, adding that he feared to spend more days should the situation remain the same.
Investigations further revealed that, the price per jerry can within suburban areas of the state capital is higher as it is sold at the cost of 80-100 naira.
Contacted for comment, the Permanent Secretary to the ministry of water resources, Yusuf Garba Kaura said, the situation was caused by the fault of major pumping machine operating from main water treatment plant.
Kaura further informed that, some residents have constructed water reservoirs which made to believe is another contributing factor towards the shortage of water as it prevent the smooth flow of treated water in the pipes.
He said the ministry is doing its best to end the obstacles brought about by illegal constructions of water reservoirs, stressing further that the problem with the pumping machine has been fixed.
“The ministry is fully aware of some residents that hijack the water being pumped for the consumption of general populace in Gusau, the state capital, some were reported to be using the water for commercial reasons on their own, the state government would not fold its arms to watch saboteurs derailing the ministry’s effort”, Kaura has warned.
He further disclosed that, the water board which operates under the ministry, procures six million gallons of portable water to serve the needs of over eight hundred thousand people residing in Gusau alone.
He enticed the affected populace to continue giving support in fishing out anybody sabotaging the effort embarked upon by the state government aimed at to ensure adequate water supply in the state.
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