The Kano State Government has suspended the manager of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes following the discovery of widespread vandalism and alleged negligence at the facilities during an inspection visit.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed on Monday by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, following his visit to the two regional water schemes.
According to the commissioner, facilities designed to provide water services to three local government areas have remained non-functional for several years, with critical infrastructure severely damaged by vandals.
Hashim said the inspection revealed that nearly all electrical wiring connected to generators and pumps had been stripped, rendering key equipment unusable.
He further disclosed that a power project at the Thomas Water Scheme, completed only three months ago and yet to be commissioned, had already been looted.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the conduct of security personnel engaged to safeguard the facility, stating that they were found cultivating farmland within the premises instead of carrying out their assigned duties.
“What I found was deeply troubling. Facilities meant to serve three local government areas have remained non-functional for several years. We found almost all electrical wiring stripped from generators and pumps,” Hashim said.
He added, “A power project completed just three months ago in Thomas, which is yet to be commissioned, had already been looted. Furthermore, security personnel hired to protect the plant were found farming on its grounds.”
Following the discoveries, the commissioner ordered the immediate suspension of the scheme’s manager pending the outcome of an investigation.
“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,” he stated.
Hashim reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to restoring water infrastructure across the state, noting that rehabilitation works are already ongoing at the Chalawa and Tamburawa water treatment plants.
He said the government would ensure that all regional water schemes are fully revitalised to improve water supply and service delivery across Kano State.
“His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is fully committed to restoring Kano’s water infrastructure. We are currently rehabilitating Chalawa and Tamburawa, and we will ensure that all regional water schemes are fully revitalised,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner also called on residents to support government efforts by safeguarding public infrastructure, stressing that public facilities belong to all citizens and must be protected from vandalism and misuse.
“While the government sustains its efforts to revive these water schemes, we call on the general public to do their part. Public assets belong to all of us, and we all must protect them,” he added.
