NIGERIA: Kano Governor Pledges To End Rano’s Decades-Long Water Crisis

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has vowed to end the long-standing water crisis in Rano Town, directing the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure the implementation of a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply system in the town.

The governor made this commitment on Thursday, while receiving the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Umar, who visited the Government House in Kano for a Sallah homage.

According to a press statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Yusuf assured the Emir that concrete steps were being taken to resolve the town’s water shortages.

The governor also revealed that significant progress had been made, stating, “I have instructed the Commissioner of Water Resources to collaborate with experts to channel water from Tiga Dam to Rano Town.”

He further added that the government is also working with local authorities to construct boreholes despite the area’s challenging rocky landscape.

He added: “We will deploy advanced surveying techniques to locate underground water sources and ensure a steady supply.”

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and youth and women empowerment.

He also extended condolences to the Emir over the recent killing of Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State, commending the Emir’s role in maintaining peace and reassuring affected families of justice.

“Had it not been for the Emir’s wise intervention, the situation could have escalated,” Yusuf noted.

In response, the Emir of Rano expressed gratitude for the governor’s development efforts and urged continued action to address water scarcity.

“We appreciate your commitment to education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and the timely payment of retirees’ gratuities,” he said.

The Emir also lauded the governor for addressing concerns over the five-kilometer road project in the emirate, which led to the replacement of the initial contractor with a more competent one.

“We are pleased to see significant progress on the project,” he added.