Kano government secures N177.4bn French loan for water project

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State

The Kano State Government has secured a N177.4 billion loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) to construct new waterworks at Tamburawa and enhance water distribution across Greater Kano.

The project is part of a broader effort to improve access to potable water in response to the state’s fast-growing population.

Speaking at a two-day project coordination and review workshop held in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Ali Haruna Makoda, highlighted the significance of the project.

“This initiative will drastically improve water supply in Kano, a vital necessity for our rapidly expanding population. The delays we faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen challenges are now behind us, and we are confident this project will be completed within the next two years,” said Governor Yusuf.

The project is being implemented under the National Urban Water Reform Project, with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation providing guarantees.

The Managing Director of the Kano State Water Board, Garba Ahmad Bichi, elaborated on the scale of the development, noting that the Tamburawa waterworks will feature an additional water intake station with a capacity of 250 million litres per day.

“The additional waterworks will significantly address Kano’s water shortages, particularly as the city continues to experience rapid population growth,” Bichi stated. “This project will not only enhance our water infrastructure but also provide sustainable solutions for the future.”

The workshop was attended by representatives from Plateau, Enugu, and Ondo states, reflecting a nationwide interest in improving water distribution and urban water reforms.

Kano residents have long faced challenges related to insufficient water supply, and many are hopeful that this project will be a turning point. The Tamburawa waterworks are expected to provide much-needed relief and ensure access to clean water for millions of Kano citizens.