Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda has said his administration recently awarded the construction of 66 Small Town Water Supply Schemes (STOWASSA) in 10 Local Government Areas to expand access to potable water in rural and semi-urban communities.

Radda, who stated this on Thursday at the commissioning of the Tsagero small town water supply scheme in Rimi council area, said 32 of the 66 schemes have been completed and are either operational or ready for commissioning.

He identified council areas where the water schemes were constructed to include Katsina, Funtua, Baure, Kankara, Kafur, Daura, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Matazu, and Faskari.

He also said the water schemes were in addition to the supply and installation of 30,000 liters per hour water treatment plant, construction of 150 household sanitation facilities, as well as construction of 500 household latrines.

“As part of our commitment to expanding access to potable water in rural and semi-urban communities, this administration awarded contracts for the construction of 66 Small Town Water Supply Schemes across various communities in Katsina State, including Katsina, Funtua, Baure, Kankara, Kafur, Daura, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Matazu, and Faskari Local Government Areas.

“Supply and installation of 30,000 liters per hour water treatment plant, construction of 150 household sanitation facilities, ongoing construction of 500 household latrines.

“I am pleased to inform you that 32 of these schemes have been completed and are either operational or ready for commissioning.

“This remarkable achievement demonstrates our administration’s determination to address water supply challenges and improve the living conditions of our people,” he said.

Radda assured that more small town water supply schemes would sokn be constructed and expanded in the state, even as he called on benefiting communities to ensure proper management of the projects.

According to him, “We are not stopping here. More STOWASSA schemes will be constructed and expanded across the state to ensure that every community has access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water services.

“Our goal is to leave behind a lasting legacy of improved water infrastructure that will serve present and future generations of Katsina State.

“However, while government will continue to invest in water infrastructure, the sustainability of these facilities depends on proper management, routine maintenance, financial discipline, and community ownership.

“I therefore call upon community leaders, water users, local administrators, and relevant institutions to work together in protecting and sustaining this investment.

“We must ensure responsible use of water and safeguard these facilities for the benefit of present and future generations,” he added.