FROM MIJINYAWA BABA-UTHMAN , MINNA
Perennial scarcity of water has hit residents of Minna,the Capital of Niger State,as residents now trekked to distance to source for the commodity for their domestic Rimawaglobal.com findings has revealed.
It was revealed that the acute shortage of water in Minna was reported in the two weeks forcing children and women to trekke as early as four a.m in search of water in a distance of over 200 meters to source for water.
The children who are mostly of school ages 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 6 a.m., residents in Minna the state capital can be seen across different parts of the metropolis, carrying jerry cans in search of water. Many have had to travel long distances to source this essential commodity.
Rimawaglobal.com findings further reveal 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,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources in Niger State, Akilu Musa Kuta, stated that the ministry is working tirelessly to address the problem. He explained that repair work is ongoing at many of the affected sites.
He attributed the scarcity to the activities of vandals who have damaged water pipes and stolen essential equipment in some parts of Minna. He 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 have deployed workers to repair the damaged pipes and replace the stolen equipment. Saying the water board is doing everything within it 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.
