Efforts by Taraba State government under the leadership of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku to provide uninterrupted water supply to Jalingo, the state capital and its environs received a boost on Thursday with the groundbreaking for the construction of a 5 million-litre water storage facility.
The ceremony was performed by Governor Ishaku on Mount Jalingo.
The facility is part of the gigantic Jalingo Primary Water Scheme which is designed to meet the needs of the capital city for water for the next 35 years.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Gov Ishaku described the construction of the reservoir as a landmark project which will aggressively address the water problem in the state.
The site of the reservoir will be developed to be an attractive tourist centre with a VIP and general restaurant. Ishaku said water treatment facilities have been purchased in large quantities to ensure a regular supply of water.
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He said the supply of water is also being commercialized. Adding, Supply will be regular and wastage would be drastically curtailed.
He said even with the commercialisation, the needs of the poor would be catered for.
He urged the Water Supply Agency to ensure that every home is serviced and advised those being serviced to endeavour to pay their water bills.
Speaking earlier, Yusufu Akirikwen, commissioner for Water Resources, said the construction of the reservoir and other related works would mark the last stage towards the completion of the Jalingo Primary Water Supply Scheme.
The Commissioner said the state government has been sufficiently assured by the contractors of the delivery of a high-quality job.
He pleaded with the people of Taraba State to support the efforts of the Government to solve the problem of water supply by owning the facility and protect it.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Musa Buba Siam, managing director of the Taraba State Water Supply Agency described the approach of Gov Ishaku towards solving the water problem in the state as the most pragmatic since the creation of the state.
He said the Jalingo Primary Water Scheme would increase the supply of water in Jalingo from 8 million litres to 28 million litres per day.
