The joy of the residents of New Bussa in Niger State on Wednesday knew no bounds as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, inaugurated their water works project which had been stalled for over 30 years.
Akume inaugurated the rehabilitated and expanded the New Bussa water scheme at the project site on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
The SGF said that it was an important milestone in the journey of the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, towards improving living standards and attaining sustainable development.
The SGF was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.
The project was executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).
Akume said, “We gather here to inaugurate the newly rehabilitated Water Works of New Bussa, a project that exemplifies the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
“For quite a while, the people of New Bussa have grappled with the challenge of accessing clean potable water.
“This basic necessity, which many take for granted elsewhere, has been a luxury for far too long in this community. But the government has heard your concerns. We listened, and we acted.
“The rehabilitation of the New Bussa water scheme is not simply about revamping old infrastructure and building additional structures; it is about transforming lives.
“Mothers will no longer have to worry about the safety of the water they give their children. Hours previously spent fetching water can now be dedicated to education, farming, business and family.”
He said that the improved water supply would boost public health and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. It will support local businesses, attract investment and contribute to the overall development of New Bussa town and environs.
Akume said, “The Federal Government recognises that New Bussa, as a resettled town, has unique challenges.
“In spite of the presence of several federal parastatals and military outfits in the town, basic amenities have been lacking.
“This water project is a step towards rectifying that imbalance. It is an open testament to our belief that every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves access to clean and safe water.
“This project aligns with the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
“The newly rehabilitated water station now supplies water that meets global standards for quality water supply. This project, ladies and gentlemen, is about quenching thirst as much as it is about preventing water-borne diseases, improving public health and enhancing overall quality of life.”
Gov. Umaru Bago said that the project would bring to an end the perennial water problem experienced in New Bussa and environs over the years.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Suleiman Umaru, Bago said, “The provision of sustainable potable water at people’s disposal remains the driving force of socioeconomic development in every society.
He said, “Given the critical importance of water supply, our administration has made it a cardinal objective for Nigerlites.
“Our state is blessed with abundant water resources which are optimally harnessed for portable water supply, agriculture, navigation, industrialization and recreation.
“However, there is still a significant facility deficit, in spite of the progress made in the past, we are committed to a sound infrastructure replacement and expansion program in the sector.
“It is important to state that this administration has made rehabilitation and resuscitation of the water sector as one of the cardinal objectives of our New Niger Agenda.”
The governor appreciated that the water sector was capital intensive and required huge investment to address the existing deficit in the sector.
“To achieve this and make the sector sustainable will require investments from both the public and the private sector. Indeed, we are leveraging partnerships such as this to achieve our goals in the sector,” Bago said.
The Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the rehabilitated water works targets not only an infrastructure upgrade, but also a transformation in the quality of life for the people of this historic town and its environs.
He said, “Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, whose dedication to the welfare of Nigerians aligns perfectly with the mission of N-HYPPADEC.
“We are grateful for your supervision and support Your Excellency. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Niger, Umar Bago.
“The support and cooperation we have been enjoying from the Niger State government has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Sani Haliru -Dantoro, and the former Senator of Zone C who is now the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Distinguished Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.
“The voices of these esteemed leaders were the catalyst for this project. They brought the plight of New Bussa to our attention. This project is a testament to the impact of their effective leadership and representation,” he said.
According to the managing director, the rehabilitation of the New Bussa water works was not just another item on the list of their completed projects.
Sadiq-Yelwa said, “It is a vital step in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda places a premium on improving human life and ensuring water supply across every nook and cranny of our dear country.
“Today, we bring that hope to New Bussa. This hope is now a tangible reality that will flow from every tap in this town.”
Also speaking, the Emir of Borgu, Dr Sani Halitu-Dantoro, said the epochal event was a half century-old promise kept by the Nigerian State, as well as a dream come true for the people of Borgu.
He said, “This started about 60 years ago, when impoundment of our lands commenced in the early 1960s to make way for the Kainji lake, dam and power station.
“The people of Old Bussa were promised the most basic of human necessities by the Nigerian government through the Kainji Dam Authority – i.e. provision of potable water.
“Whereas Old Bussa was located right on the banks of River Niger, New Bussa to which our people were resettled, is as far as 10km away from the shores of Kainji lake, where waters are stagnant and therefore not ideal for human consumption.
“That the residents of New Bussa and environs endured the lack of potable water this past over half a century is an indication of the patriotic zeal and maturity of Borgu people.
“This lack of potable water for such a long time evokes even more emotive feelings, considering the presence of Nigeria’s largest lake in Borgu.
“Again, this ironic anomaly also manifests till this day in the non-connection of major Borgu towns to electric power supply despite the siting of the Kainji Power Station in Borgu territory.”
According to the emir, the people of Borgu Kingdom commend N-HYPPADEC for partnering with the Niger Government to comprehensively reconstruct the waterworks.
New Bussa is the new site of Bussa after the Kainji Lake Dam set the previous location underwater. It is the headquarters of the Borgu Emirate and the Borgu Local Government Area.
By Mohammed Baba Busu
