The Kaduna state government has announced significant strides in expanding water access and deepening sector reforms. This comes as the state marks the 2026 World Water Day, with efforts aimed at ensuring safe water for residents across the state.
The government's intervention in the water sector is multifaceted, focusing not only on repairing damaged infrastructure but also on building a resilient water system. The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme has seen over 1.5 million residents benefit from improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
The government declared a state of emergency in the water sector in 2023 to accelerate reforms and rehabilitate critical infrastructure. Key achievements include the settlement of N900 million in salary arrears owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, as well as the procurement of water treatment chemicals valued at N1.5 billion.
Major water facilities in several local governments have been rehabilitated under the SURWASH programme, leading to an increase in water production capacity from 450 million litres per day in 2023 to 530.66 million litres per day in 2025.
The government has committed over N16 billion to fully rehabilitate six major water treatment plants and expand pipeline networks. Automated billing systems have also been introduced, and N5.74 billion has been recovered in counterpart funding for the Zaria Water Project.
The review of the state's water law is ongoing as part of efforts to strengthen the sector. The government remains committed to sustaining the reforms and ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water for all residents.
The Kaduna state government's decision to declare a state of emergency in the water sector in 2023 has yielded tangible results, with over 1.5 million residents benefiting from improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The settlement of salary arrears owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation and the procurement of water treatment chemicals are notable achievements. However, the real test lies in sustaining these reforms and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to clean and safe water. The government's commitment to reviewing the state's water law is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will translate into meaningful improvements in public health outcomes and economic activities across the state.
