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| Engr. Kabir Ahmed Rufa’i Managing Director Kaduna State Water Corporation |
The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC), Engineer Kabir Ahmed Rufa’i, has commended Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a bold and life-changing intervention that has rescued the water sector in the state through the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program.
Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, Engineer Rufa’i disclosed that prior to the Governor’s intervention, the water sector in Kaduna had suffered significant setbacks. He said the SURWASH program, launched three years ago, was initially plagued by delays and inefficiencies until Governor Uba Sani awarded contracts worth over N25 billion last year to rehabilitate and retrofit critical water treatment facilities and restore damaged pipelines.
The destruction of pipelines under the previous urban renewal program severely hampered our operations. Our treatment plants were functioning at just 8 percent capacity. Today, that narrative has changed. Water production and service coverage are on the rise, and with the completion of the ongoing projects, that coverage will further expand, Rufa’i said.
He explained that the state’s participation in SURWASH has helped reposition KADSWAC for reform and improved service delivery. The program has rescued not just the Corporation, but the entire water sector in Kaduna State, he added.
Engineer Rufa’i outlined several key projects underway, including the full restoration of the Zaria Regional Water Supply Scheme, rehabilitation of the Kaduna Water Scheme, and similar efforts in Zonkwa, Kwoi, and Kafanchan. New water supply extension contracts to Kudan, Hunkuyi, and Makarfi have also been awarded under the SURWASH initiative.
Beyond infrastructure, he noted that Governor Uba Sani has tackled other systemic issues, such as clearing salary arrears, assuming responsibility for staff salary payments, and ensuring steady supply of water treatment chemicals. These interventions have stabilized the workforce and brought an end to service disruptions and industrial actions, he stated.
Addressing energy challenges, the MD said the Governor is in talks with the electricity distribution company and has commenced monthly payments to guarantee regular power supply to treatment plants.
He further highlighted the rehabilitation of major water treatment plants in Kaduna North and South, as well as facilities in Zaria and surrounding communities. Areas like the Emir of Zazzau’s palace and Madarkaci, once without water, have seen services restored.
Governor Uba Sani responded swiftly when a viral video exposed water shortages in some Zaria communities. His directive led to immediate intervention, and the affected areas are now receiving water, Rufa’i added.
Other ongoing projects include assessments of the Ikara-Anchau-Takalafiya axis, with a comprehensive proposal for intervention in Birnin-Gwari expected soon. The Governor has also directed attention to Kafanchan, Kagoro, and other Southern Kaduna communities, including Manchok and Kurmin Musa.
This is the first time in the state’s history that water infrastructure is receiving attention at such a large scale. From rehabilitation and retrofitting to expansion and extension, the Governor’s agenda aims for total water and sanitation coverage in Kaduna State, Rufa’i concluded.
As the administration of Governor Uba Sani approaches its second anniversary, the Kaduna State Water Corporation says the water sector stands as one of its most successful and transformative achievements.
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