FG URGES STATES TO FAST-TRACK COMPLETION OF URBAN WATER PROJECTS
Read Time:2 Minute, 47 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Federal Government has urged participating states to accelerate the completion of projects under the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project following the extension of the programme to 2028.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made the call on Monday at the opening of the 2nd Semester 2026 National Urban Water Sector Reform Project Coordination and Review Workshop in Jos, Plateau State.
Utsev, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the project, Mr Kasim Nafiu, commended the French Development Agency (AFD) for extending the project from December 2026 to 2028.
He said the extension would give participating states additional time to complete ongoing rehabilitation projects and address challenges affecting implementation.
“The extension will enable participating states to complete their various ongoing rehabilitation projects.
“It will also provide additional time for states to address implementation challenges and ensure the completion of projects aimed at improving urban water supply,” Utsev said.
According to the minister, the two-day workshop, themed “Improving Water Supply and Sanitation Service Delivery,” would provide an opportunity for participating states to conduct an empirical review of project implementation.
He said the workshop would allow states to share experiences, identify challenges and develop solutions towards achieving the objectives of the programme.
Utsev further urged the states and other stakeholders to make effective use of the extended project period to ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved.
Declaring the workshop open, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said his administration considers water security a fundamental pillar of modern governance and human development.
Mutfwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the institutions, infrastructure and systems required to expand access to potable water.
He disclosed that the state government had provided N2.6 billion in counterpart funding for the project.
“This commitment demonstrates government’s determination to ensure that development interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of its citizens,” Mutfwang said.
The governor said the state government, through the Jos Water Services Corporation and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, was implementing several interventions to improve water production, treatment and distribution.
He listed the interventions to include the expansion of municipal reticulation networks, rehabilitation of the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant and reticulation of the Mangu Regional Water Scheme.
Mutfwang added that the state was also rehabilitating and constructing water infrastructure in Bokkos, Langtang North, Langtang South and Wase.
He said two major water treatment facilities, the Yakubu Gowon Water Treatment Plant and the Laminga Water Treatment Plant, were also being rehabilitated with support from the AFD.
The governor urged participants to critically assess project performance, identify bottlenecks and develop practical strategies to accelerate project delivery.
He also appealed to the AFD to simplify administrative processes and expedite the issuance of “No Objection” approvals for eligible project components.
“Timely approvals are critical to enabling states to meet implementation deadlines, minimise avoidable delays and sustain the momentum of project delivery,” he said.
The AFD co-finances Nigeria’s National Urban Water Sector Reform Project alongside other development partners to improve urban drinking water quality, expand supply networks and strengthen the financial sustainability of state water utilities.
The workshop brought together policymakers, water sector professionals, engineers, project managers, development partners and other stakeholders to review the implementation of the reform project.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0