The actual causes of the ongoing water deficit in Zamfara State's Gusau metropolis have come to light.
Residents have been forced to endure needless hardship due to the commodity's scarcity.
Alhaji Buhari Salihu Dosara, the managing director of the State Water Board, attributed the shortage on the State government's failure to disburse funding for the Board's operation in an exclusive interview with Bendelnews in Gusau, the state capital.
According to Dosara, the State government further announced free water to all consumers, making it difficult for the Board to produce income, despite the fact that the government was completely responsible for the Board's maintenance but did not support it.
He bemoaned, "How could anybody expect adequate water when the State government refused to grant cash for the operation of the Board for enough water and compounded the situation by announcing free water for consumers.
Dosara bemoaned the fact that the State administration had refused to transfer cash, resulting in the grounding of all the equipment used to give water to consumers and the fact that even the generators were no longer operating properly.
He remembered that the State's vice governor, Senator Hassan Nasiha Muhammad Gusau, had unexpectedly visited the Board around three months prior and briefed them on the issue, emphasising that nothing had been done despite assurances.
According to Bendelnews, inhabitants of Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, and its surroundings have been gravely complaining about the ongoing water shortage. They complain that they must go several kilometres to find the scarcely available vital good.
This outlet also says that due to the severe water constraint, water vendors are now compelled to charge N80 instead of N30 for a 25-liter jerrican of water.
Water vendor Mustapha, also known as Mai Ruwa, told the Daily Post that the vendors also experienced hardship before being able to purchase water to sell at a very high price. He claimed that the water vendors buy as they sell.
"Due to a severe water deficit inside the Board, we, the vendors, no longer receive water from the State Water Board. We also struggle to obtain the necessary good, therefore it's not our responsibility," he remarked.
A restaurant owner in Gusau who goes by the name Madam Quality claimed that she spends a significant amount of money every day on water and that raising the price of her cuisine would drive away some of her clients.
However, when reached by phone, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the state commissioner for information, refuted the claims.
By pointing out that the State government announced free water for consumers because it is the government's policy, he continued to argue that the Managing Director of the State water Board was correct.
I cannot believe the MD said that when responding to your inquiries as the government, the man remarked. However, I think what he actually said to you was, "The government does not tax water consumers as part of its policy of making life easier for the average person while government revenue is not forthcoming." The board found it extremely challenging to maintain a consistent daily water supply as a result.
"However, he is unable to inform you that the government does not support the board. Where do they obtain the substances they use? If the government is not providing cash for the board, how are they maintaining their equipment?