The Federal Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation,
With the recent commissioning of the rehabilitated New Bussa waterworks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The project marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to improve water infrastructure across the country, particularly in communities that have long suffered from inadequate access to essential services.
The official commissioning of the New Bussa waterworks was carried out by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sahabi Abdullahi. In his address,
Akume underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to clean and safe drinking water, a basic necessity for public health and well-being. He highlighted that the rehabilitation of the waterworks, which had been non-functional for over three decades, is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The New Bussa waterworks project is particularly noteworthy due to its significance to the local community, which is home to the Kainji Dam, Nigeria’s largest hydroelectric power station. Despite the town’s strategic importance to the nation’s energy supply,
The community had, for many years, been plagued by a lack of reliable access to clean water. The waterworks had been left in a state of disrepair for over 30 years, leaving residents to grapple with the challenges of water scarcity.
The restoration of the New Bussa waterworks was initiated in 2023 as part of an intervention effort by the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC). The commission took on the project with the aim of addressing the long-standing water crisis in New Bussa and surrounding areas.
Prior to this intervention, the waterworks, managed by the Niger State government, had failed to deliver a single drop of water to homes in the rapidly growing community, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents.
During the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project. He assured the people of New Bussa that the rehabilitation of the waterworks is just the beginning of the commission’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure and quality of life in the area.
Yelwa revealed that the project represented a substantial investment of over ₦2.1 billion, which he described as a testament to the Federal Government’s dedication to the well-being of the New Bussa community.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, further emphasized the health benefits that the restored waterworks would bring to the community. He noted that access to clean water is essential for preventing water-borne diseases,
Which have been a persistent challenge in areas with inadequate water supply. By providing a reliable source of clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of such diseases and improve overall public health outcomes in New Bussa.
The restoration of the New Bussa waterworks was met with great enthusiasm by the local community, including traditional leaders. The Emir of Borgu, Sani Haliru-Dantoro, expressed his profound gratitude to the Federal Government and N-HYPPADEC for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
He described the rehabilitation of the waterworks as a long-awaited compensation for the sacrifices and support that the New Bussa community has provided to Nigeria’s electricity power supply over the years. The Emir’s sentiments were echoed by many residents, who see the project as a vital improvement that will positively impact their daily lives.
As the New Bussa waterworks begins operations, it symbolizes a new chapter for the community—a chapter in which access to clean water is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. The project serves as a reminder of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure across Nigeria, particularly in underserved areas. It also reflects the importance of sustainable water management in achieving long-term public health and development goals.
The successful commissioning of the New Bussa waterworks is expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of the country, as the government continues to prioritize the provision of essential services to all Nigerians.
With the support of N-HYPPADEC and other relevant agencies, the hope is that more communities will soon experience the benefits of improved water infrastructure, contributing to the overall goal of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation in Nigeria.
