The Sokoto government says it will launch more water schemes and hydrants within the state metropolis for the benefits of water users especially commercial purposes and to enhance supply. They would be constructed in some selected strategic places suitable for their activities.
The Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Bature, made this known at the stakeholders and sensitization meeting held with the leadership of relevant associations of water users for commercial purposes in Sokoto.
The Commissioner who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Isma’ila Gatawa, said this would be done to support their businesses and equally to enhance state internally generated revenue.
According to him, the move was to ensure their members are paying their taxes as at when due.
He noted that the initiative was part of the measures being taken to revive the existing laws water of rates for more revenue generation.
Bature emphasized that they should mobilize their members on the new move in the interest of the state.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the State Water Board, Alhaji Isma’ila Sanda sheds more light on the already existing laws.
He said they include payment of royalty fee by private and commercial borehole owners and urged all to comply.
In their separate remarks leaders of the water users for Commercial purposes, Alhaji Nasiru Umar Garka of Association of Table Water Producers and Alhaji Kabiru Maibulo of Block Makers Associations among others, assured of their unalloyed support and cooperation to the initiative.
They however called on government to ensure adequate water supply for optimum result.
Earlier a similar meeting was held last week with the leaders of the associations where an agreement was reached to allow them to intimate their members on the government’s plan before making the conclusion.
