Kano suspends water scheme manager over sabotage

Kano State has suspended the manager of the Thomas Regional Water Scheme amid allegations of sabotage, signaling a firm stance against vandalism of critical infrastructure. The suspension follows discoveries of looted facilities at a power project completed just three months prior but yet to be commissioned.

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The suspension is pending investigation into alleged sabotage and vandalism of facilities put in place by the government to end the lingering crisis of water scarcity in the state.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, expressed deep concern during an inspection of the Thomas and Ghari Regional Water Schemes. He found that facilities meant to serve three local government areas had been non-functional for years, with electrical wiring stripped from generators and pumps. The situation was exacerbated by security personnel hired to protect a plant being found farming on its grounds.

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Facilities meant to serve three local government areas have remained non-functional for several years. We found almost all electrical wiring stripped from generators and pumps.

Muhammad-Hashim stated that the suspension is pending a thorough investigation, with legal action to be pursued if criminal culpability is established. Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf's administration is actively rehabilitating other waterworks, including Chalawa and Tamburawa, and is committed to revitalizing all regional schemes. The commissioner appealed to the public to safeguard these vital public assets.

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A power project completed just three months ago in Thomas, which is yet to be commissioned, had already been looted.