Water supply: Sokoto gov’t pledges action after pipeline rupture

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to urgently restoring adequate potable water supply to residents of Sokoto metropolis and its environs following a major pipeline failure.
The commitment was made on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Iya (the Iyan Sokoto), during a high-powered technical inspection of the damaged infrastructure along the Sokoto River.
The affected pipeline, which supplies raw water from the Kware Water Intake to the New Extension Water Treatment Plant in Sokoto, ruptured on Sunday night following a heavy downpour, disrupting water supply across the state capital.
High Water Levels Hamper Immediate Repairs
Briefing journalists after the assessment, Alhaji Aminu Iya explained that the heavy rains left the pipes submerged and shifted critical accessories, causing a severe setback for the State Water Board.
Owing to the current weather conditions, a total fix will require time.
“We cannot complete the repair work immediately because the water level is high and the sand gravity is too much,” the Commissioner explained. “We can only complete the main repair work when the rains subside. However, we have swung into action and are urgently working on an alternative source to bypass the ruptured section and restore supply.”
Infrastructure Upgrade in 2026 Budget
The Commissioner noted that the current administration inherited aged and decayed water infrastructure. To permanently address this, he revealed that provisions have been made in the 2026 budget to procure modern equipment and replace outdated facilities.
He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for prioritizing water supply within his “9-Point Smart Agenda,” while praising the resilience of the Water Board’s staff.
Emergency Interventions and Relief Measures
Also speaking, the General Manager of the State Water Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, confirmed that technical teams are already on-site executing interim repairs.
To cushion the effect of the disruption, the Board has deployed water tankers to supply critical public institutions, with a primary focus on hospitals.
“This incident has further strengthened our resolve. Under Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s leadership, we will improve pipeline maintenance, speed up response times, and develop alternative supply routes to minimize future disruptions,” Engr. Mika’ilu said.
The General Manager appealed to residents for patience and understanding while the technical teams work around the clock.
Residents are advised to store water where available and closely monitor official updates from the State Water Board as work progresses.
The delegation also included the Secretary of the Sokoto State Water Board, Alhaji Shuaibu Muhammad Boyi.