Stakeholders' meeting on the Zobe water supply scheme

Distinguished guests to this stakeholder's forum, please permit me to present a compelling case for the engagement between the Katsina State Government and esteemed organizations: the Climate Fund Managers (Sanlam), and the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (Infracorp). Our objective is to secure funding for sustainable development initiatives in Katsina State, with a particular focus on the funding of this critical project of Zobe Phase 1b which will go a long way in providing portable drinking water covering over 10 million water users cut across various spectrum of both domestic, commercial, industrial, and institutional users covering 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State.

Project Overview:

Katsina State, located in Northern Nigeria, is blessed with abundant natural resources and a vibrant agricultural sector. However, like many regions globally, it faces the adverse impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased desertification. These challenges necessitate urgent action to safeguard the environment and ensure sustainable development.

There are 6 Urban Water Supply Schemes being operated by the Katsina State Government currently, the locations cover each of the 3Senatorial Zones within the State. These facilities have been supplying potable water to the people of Katsina State overtime. They are managed and operated by the ministry of water resources and Katsina State Water Board.

Zobe Water Supply System:

The Zobe Water Supply Project was conceived and implemented to supply potable water to Katsina Metropolis. The route alignment of the transmission line comprises two branches all

emanating from Dutsin-Ma. The first branch goes along the Dutsin-Ma to Kankia Highway. At Kafin-Soli the line heads to Charanchi through Lambar Rimi to Batagarawa and it terminates at the Katsina Polytechnic Reservoir. The other branch would conveys potable water from DustinMa to Katsina via Kurfi and Tsanni. The alignment follows the Marrarrabar Kankara to Katsina highway. At Kafin Soil there is a spur that terminates at Kankia.

The other secondary line emanates from Lambar Rimi through Rimi to Tsagero and terminates at Turaji. The schematic plan of the beneficiaries along the pipeline route of the reviewed phase 1 B components have been submitted earlier.

The New Intervention:

The current intervention shall look at improving the installed capacity of the plant from 80,000m³/day to 240,000m³. The pipeline and transmission system is attached form further elaboration. Each of the benefiting communities would also be provided with a standard distribution (reticulation) based on the size of each. An additional 2x80,000m3/day treatment plant shall be built.

The Role of Climate Fund Managers, Sanlam, and Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria: We are honored to have esteemed organizations Climate Fund Managers, Sanlam, and the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria present today who are considering the funding of this all important project very dear to our people in Katsina State. These organizations have a proven track record of supporting sustainable development initiatives globally and Nigeria in particular, their expertise, financial resources, and network can greatly contribute to the success of our various water projects in Katsina State.

Benefits and Expected Outcomes:

Economic Growth and Job Creation: The proposed projects will 1. Stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and attract private sector investments in Katsina State.

2. Enhanced Resilience: Through improved water resource management and climate-smart agriculture: We will enhance our resilience to climate change impacts, ensuring food security and reducing vulnerability.

3. Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: Collaboration with Climate Fund Managers (Sanlam), and the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria will facilitate knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices, fostering long-term sustainability. On its part,

Katsina State Government has under the urban water supply sector has a cumulative installed capacity to produce about 179,000 m3 per day and distribution pipeline of 990,000m of various sizes and raw water storage of 406million m3. The intervention by InfraCorp would increase the production of potable to 349,000m3 day and widen the overall distribution coverage and additional 250,000m distribution and 110,000m of transmission.

We intends to reposition the overall efficiency of the Katsina State Water Board aims to position itself as a highly efficient and functional entity, dedicated to meeting the water supply demands of over 10 million people in the State now, into the future as the population grows. With current installed capacity of 179,020.35 cubic meters across various treatment plants in various locations, automation of metering and billing systems, invest in staff capacity development, asset management plan, enhance revenue generation and improve operations efficiency, and proactive planning for the future expansion.