By Naseer Al-sirajdeen, Minna
Perennial scarcity of water in Minna, Niger State, as residents now trek to the distance to source for water.
It was revealed that the acute shortage of water for about two weeks had forced children and women to trek as early as 4am in search of water in a distance of over 200 meters to source for water.
The children who are mostly of school age could be seen in their large numbers abandoning their school to look for water.
Residents of Minna metropolis are facing severe water scarcity, with the Niger State government attributing the problem to vandalism of critical infrastructure.
For the past two weeks, the unavailability of drinking water has remained a major challenge in Minna, the Niger State capital, despite significant investments by the current and previous administrations aimed at ensuring water supply.
As early as 6am., residents in Minna the state capital can be seen across different parts of the metropolis, carrying jerry cans in search of water.
Findings revealed that water vendors are making brisk business from the situation, as the price of a 25-litre jerry can has risen to as much as 200 Naira.
Speaking with Journalists in Minna, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources in Niger State, Akilu Musa Kuta, stated that the ministry was working tirelessly to address the problem.
The Pamenent Secretary explained that repair work was ongoing to fix the affected sites.
He attributed the scarcity to the activities of vandals who damaged water pipes and stolen essential equipment in some parts of Minna.
Kuta urged residents and communities to assist the government by safeguarding water infrastructure from further vandalism.
Kuta also commended security agencies for their efforts in protecting the state’s water resources.
He assured residents that the ministry is committed to restoring water supply as quickly as possible.
According to him, the ministry has deployed workers to repair the damaged pipes and replace the stolen equipment.
Adding that the water board is doing everything within its capacity to ensure the communities regain access to potable water.
The ongoing water scarcity has caused significant hardship for residents in Minna and its environs, forcing many to pay exorbitant prices for water.
