The Commissioner of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Alhaji Hamza Safiyanu Kachako, has launched a series of inspection visits to areas along river banks where the activities of silica sand vendors threaten the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a consistent supply of potable water to local communities.
On Monday, the Commissioner visited the River Chalawa bank areas in Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area, and Azoren Waje in Kura Local Government Area. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry, including the Director of Exploration, Alhaji Muhammad Bala.
During the visit, the Director of the Chalawa Water Treatment Plant, Alhaji Uba Shareef Musa, expressed concerns about the adverse impacts of vendor activities on the operations of mechanized boreholes that supply water to the treatment plant, which is crucial for providing safe drinking water to surrounding communities.
This was made known in a Statement issued by Adamu Ibrahim Dabo, Anipr, MNGE, Director of Public Enlightenment in the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources Kano State.
Commissioner Safiyanu Hamza reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to ensure the provision of potable water to the residents of Kano State. He issued a stern warning to silica sand vendors to cease encroachment on borehole areas while excavating sand, emphasizing that such activities could jeopardize the integrity of water supply systems.
This visit follows a recent inspection of the northwestern bank of River Wudil, where the Commissioner engaged with vendor leadership to establish a dialogue aimed at resolving ongoing issues amicably.
This initiative aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision of fostering self-reliant businesses that contribute to the economic well-being of Kano’s populace.
These inspections are a direct response to complaints raised by the Kano State Water Board regarding the detrimental impact of sand-vending activities on the state’s water supply initiatives. The Commissioner is committed to ensuring that solutions are found that prioritize both economic activities and the welfare of the communities served.