Water scarcity bites harder in Sokoto
Residents of Sokoto metropolis are groaning under increasing water shortage. Many trek several kilometres in search of water to meet their daily requirements.
Water vendors popularly known as Mairuwa have seized the opportunity to make brisk business.
Many people say they rely on the water vendors who have increased the rate from N20 per jerry can to between N35 and N50 depending on particular areas.
Some of them said they source the water from boreholes owned by individuals.
A resident of Gawon Nama area, Mallam Ahmed disclosed: “I have resorted to Mairuwa. A cart of 10 gallons of water cost N500.”
Some other residents patronize water tankers. A 10,000-litre tanker of water cost N6,000.
Residents urged the state government to ensure restoration of normal water supply as the situation was taking a toll on them.
“We spend so much on water now. The relevant authorities should do something to redress the situation ,” a resident, Hajiya Amina Ali, said.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Muhammad Arzika Tureta attributed the prevailing situation to fall in the water level at Goronyo dam which is a major source of water supply in the state.
Tureta who indicated climate change as contributing factor to the low level of water at the dam, said measures were being taken to address the water scarcity.
The Project Coordinator of the SRRBDA, Engr Shuaibu Isa explained that the water in Goronyo Dam was low due to inadequate rainfall experienced last year. He said the dam’s water level was expected to rise when the raining season commences.