By Zubairu Idris
Katsina – The Katsina State Water Board on Tuesday blamed the water shortage in the state capital and environs on old pumping machines.
The Board’s Managing Director, Alhaji Babangida Abubakar, made the disclosure to newsmen in Katsina.
According to him, regular water supply to the areas affected will resume after the installation of new pumping machines at Ajiwa Dam.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajiwa Dam supplies water to Katsina metropolis and environs.
“The pumps were installed over 10 years; they are now giving us problems.
“Anytime we repair them, they will last for only two to three days, because they cannot supply enough water to the Katsina metropolis due to increasing population.
“People should bear with the situation, as government is taking measures to address the situation.
“As I am speaking to you, the government has already ordered for new and effective pumping machines from Germany.
“We are expecting their arrival in Lagos in one week’s time.”
Abubakar said that as soon as the machines were installed, the board would resume regular water supply to the residents of Katsina metropolis.
He said that the state government was making efforts to commence pumping of water from Zobe Dam in Dutsinma to Katsina metropolis and nearby local governments.
According to him, that will also assist in addressing water shortage in Katsina metropolis and environs.
Abubakar said that booster stations were constructed in some strategic places, to ensure effective water supply in the affected areas.