Kano continues to grapple with a severe water scarcity that has significantly impacted the daily lives of its residents and disrupted socio-economic activities.
Investigations reveal that water vendors are taking advantage of the situation by sharply increasing prices. A 25-litre jerrycan of water now costs between N150 and N200, compared to the previous price range of N50 to N70.
The areas hardest hit by this scarcity include Dala, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Tarauni, Nassarawa, and Ungogo. These communities rely on the State Water Board, government-drilled boreholes, and the efforts of local philanthropists for their water supply.
Residents express deep frustration over the situation. Sani Ado from Kano municipality reports spending around N1,400 daily on water for his family’s needs. “I shouldn’t have to spend my earnings on water when the government should be providing it,” he lamented.
Abdullahi Lawan, another affected resident, described the hardship of traveling long distances each morning to find water. He cannot afford the high prices charged by water vendors. “This routine is traumatic and takes away valuable time I need to support my family,” he said.
The economic burden extends to local businesses. A resident who washes clothes for a living shared that he spends about N3,000 daily on water alone, which has severely cut into his profits. The increased costs have hindered his ability to expand his business. “Water should be the cheapest commodity, but it has become a luxury,” he decried.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Ali Makoda, recently stated that the government is working tirelessly to resolve the water scarcity. He attributed the problem to outdated equipment at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, which supplies water to Kano and its environs. Makoda assured that efforts are underway to address these issues and promised improvements in the coming days.
