- Promises to end 40-year wait for clean water in over 16 communities
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen enjoys access to clean and safe water.
The Governor made this known today as he officially flagged off the ₦31.8 billion Zobe Phase 1B Water Project, a historic initiative that ends over four decades of waiting for reliable water supply in the state.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Kafin Soli Booster Station, Governor Radda described the project as a “promise finally fulfilled,” noting that while the Zobe Dam was completed in 1983, its full potential to serve millions across Katsina had remained untapped.
He explained that the project, awarded to Mutual Commitment Company Limited (MCC), would not only provide clean and sustainable water but also open new opportunities in agriculture, job creation, and industrial development.
Governor Radda emphasized the human significance of the project, saying, “This project is not just about pipes and pumps; it’s about life, health, and dignity.”
The Zobe Phase 1B Project will deliver potable water to communities including Karofi-Radda, Kafin Soli, Tafashiya, Kankia, Koda-Charanchi, Yarranda, Tashar Albasa, Are-Cika Koshi, Faduma, Tudun Kaadir, Rijiya Mai Siminti, Lambar Rimi, Abukur, Tashar Bala, and Batagarawa, among others.
Governor Radda assured that his administration would maintain transparency and strict supervision throughout the execution of the project to ensure quality delivery and timely completion. He emphasized that every stage would be closely monitored to guarantee value for money and tangible impact on citizens.
The Governor noted that the Zobe Water Project aligns with the broader Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative under the World Bank-supported SURWASH Programme, which is already expanding access to clean water in eight local government areas of the state.
He also revealed that rehabilitation works are ongoing at Ajiwa, Danja, and Sabuwa Dams as part of wider efforts to enhance water security and resilience across the state.
“Our goal is not just to build new systems but to create sustainable infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” he said.
Governor Radda highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of the project, including the creation of jobs, the empowerment of local suppliers, and the stimulation of small businesses. He called on MCC to deliver the project with speed, excellence, and integrity, stressing that the hope of millions depends on its successful completion.
He further disclosed that Katsina State is actively participating in the World Bank’s Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, which includes approved designs for both Zobe and Danja Dams. Through this initiative, the state will benefit from improved irrigation, hydropower generation, and enhanced food security, all in line with his administration’s vision of a self-reliant and productive Katsina.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, described the flag-off as a major milestone in Governor Radda’s efforts to guarantee safe and reliable water for residents of Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Batagarawa, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
He emphasized that the project reflects the Governor’s belief that access to clean water is a right, not a privilege. Dr. Saulawa commended the Governor’s people-centered leadership, noting that Katsina has moved beyond planning to visible, life-changing results.
He added that the project will help reduce waterborne diseases, improve sanitation, and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens.
In his technical remarks, the Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, Engr. Tukur Tinglin, explained that the Zobe Dam was originally designed to supply nearly half of Katsina’s daily water demand but had remained largely underutilized.
He stated that Phase 1A of the project, which involved the construction of the treatment plant, was completed in July 2022 and currently produces about 40 to 45 million litres of water per day, even though the Katsina metropolis alone requires over 130 million litres daily.
“That is why Phase 1B is so critical,” Engr. Tinglin said. “It extends the distribution network to homes, schools, and businesses, transforming forty years of waiting into a new era of progress and development.”
The Group Managing Director of MCC Limited, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, commended Governor Radda for his vision and commitment in reviving the Zobe project and turning it into reality after decades of delay.
He recalled that in 2023, the Governor personally visited the site and challenged the company to ensure visible progress before the rainy season, a directive they successfully met.
“For the first time, our teams worked day and night. The Governor honoured every financial commitment, and together we achieved 100 percent water output before the rains,” he said.
Mr. Liu noted that the project has already improved agricultural activities and boosted local trade, showing how access to water drives economic growth.
He emphasized that the project is fully funded by the Katsina State Government and described it as a model of home-grown leadership driven by vision and accountability.
He assured that MCC will complete the project within one year, adhering to high standards while training local engineers in water management and system maintenance.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the District Head of Dutsin-Ma and Yandakan Katsina, Alhaji Sada Mohammed Sada, who spoke on behalf of the five benefiting district heads, and by Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (Rtd.). Both described the project as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream that generations had awaited.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of Kankia Local Government, Hon. Lawal Abdullahi, expressed appreciation on behalf of all five benefiting council chairmen, thanking Governor Radda for his dedication and practical leadership.
“This project directly touches the lives of our people,” he said. “We thank the Governor for this life-changing intervention and assure him of our continued support.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari; local government ALGON chairmen; representatives of the Chief Judge and Grand Khadi of the state; members of the State Executive Council; as well as representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates and several district heads.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of
Katsina State
5th November, 2025
