The Kano State Government has suspended the Manager of the Thomas Regional Water Scheme over allegations of sabotage and vandalism of critical water infrastructure, as part of efforts to tackle persistent water scarcity across the state.
The suspension was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, who said the action would remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation into the alleged destruction and looting of government facilities.
Muhammad-Hashim said the decision followed inspections of water projects and facilities across the state aimed at restoring water supply to residents.
According to him, the government discovered that a power project completed about three months ago at the Thomas Regional Water Scheme, but yet to be commissioned, had already been vandalised.
“After a series of project inspections and interventions aimed at rehabilitating all waterworks in Kano State to address water scarcity, we discovered that a project completed about three months ago, which is yet to be commissioned, had already been looted,” he said.
The commissioner explained that a visit to both the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes revealed widespread damage and neglect of facilities designed to serve multiple local government areas.
“Today, I visited the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes, and 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,” he stated.
He also expressed concern that security personnel engaged to safeguard the facilities were found using the premises for farming activities.
“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,” he added.
Muhammad-Hashim said the government would not tolerate acts capable of undermining ongoing efforts to restore water infrastructure across the state.
“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 said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s administration to improving water supply through the rehabilitation of major water facilities.
“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,” he said.
He also called on residents to support government efforts by protecting public infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
“These public assets belong to all of us, and we all must protect them,” the commissioner added.
