The Katsina State government says it is spending over 9 billion Naira on the Danja Dam Project, aimed at addressing perennial water shortage to complement the recently completed Zobe Regional Water Project by the Federal Government in the Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Adamu Funtua, assured that the Federal Government will provide adequate protection, maintenance, and functionality of the multi-billion Naira project, to serve both the economic and social needs of the people.
With the successful completion of the Zobe Regional Water Project by the Federal Government, spanning about 29 years, and handing over to the Katsina State government, the question of maintenance which has always been lacking in the Nigerian culture, comes to play.
The Commissioner for Water Resources said even before the commissioning of the project by President Muhammadu Buhari, the state government had been running the project adequately.
He noted that all arrangements have been put in place by the Masari-led administration to ensure the safeguard and proper functioning to full capacity ranging from security to its day-to-day running.
The Commissioner also hinted that the state government has since its inception, been intervening in the issue of potable water supply to its teeming populace by embarking on an expansion of major water projects like Ajiwa waterworks, Danja dam, Funtua, Malumfashi, and Jibiya, committing about 18 billion Naira yearly.
He also added that, for the adequate and professional handling of the project, a train the trainer’s course was organised for those who will man the project for effective result-oriented and adequate maintenance.
Funtua, therefore, said the security of the project will not be an issue, as enough security has been deployed in collaboration with the local vigilante to guard the project against vandalism.