How Niger improved water sector with N1.3billion budget
Niger State Government has rated the performance of its N1.32 billion budget for the Water sector high following the expansion of water supply to all parts of the State.
Making this known at a three Day Capacity Building for WASH Budget Monitoring and Tracking by USAID-CODE in Minna, the Commissioner of Water Resources and Dam Development, Yusuf Suleiman said, aside the over 70% achievement of the N1.32 billion budget, the Ministry through its partnership with E-WASH also got grants to the tune of N530 million.
The Commissioner, who stated this disclosed that the Ministry was able to achieve it through partnership between the State and E-WASH in providing clean portable water for the people.
He explained that the State Water and Sewage Cooperation under the Ministry expended the sum of N75million monthly, while N30million monthly on the purchase of a trailer load of Alliums, and N45million on electricity and other technical services.
According to the Commisoner, “in order to access the grants, the State Government spent the sum N4.5million (10,000$) on utility support such as software, consultants engagement among others.
“The Ministry spends, N75 million every month on Alum, Electricity and other technical issues bringing the total to N800million yearly on water alone and the Intervention from E-WASH really helps us to achieve alot in the water sector because getting water to the people is tasking. The funds from E-WASH is being expended transparently.”
The Commissioner also stated that as part of efforts to expand water supply to all parts of Minna, the State Government awarded contract of N372 million for the Zarumai, GRA, Type B Quarters and Anguwan Beri areas.
The Commissioner also stated that water supply in Agaie and New Bussa towns of the state have been improved after resuscitating each at the cost of N10 million.
Earlier, the state Lead and Coordinator North Central, Mr. Richard Abubakar said the capacity building program by CODE is to ensure proper tracking for budget for water and sanitation in the state.
He stressed the need for government to be accountable to the people in its spendings as well as see them as partners in progress.