Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has said the perennial water crisis in the State is a result of human sabotage.
Mutfwang expressed this concern during an interface with stakeholders within the state’s Water and Sanitation sub-sector, on Tuesday in Jos.
The governor expressed worry that in spite of the huge investments in the water sector, including by past administrations, the resource had remained the most scarce commodity in Plateau.
“We say water is life, but unfortunately, if there’s any crises we have in any sector in this state, it is the water sector. Even here in the Government House, we are struggling to have water.
“And I know that many communities are languishing in lack of water. It is quite frustrating when you need water and it’s not available.
“If there’s any state where it will be cheap to drill bore holes, perhaps it is the Plateau, and yet, for all these years of investments, we are still battling with lack of water.
“I have called you here because I want you to know my passion for this matter, I want you to know that I am not going to accept failure in this sector.
“We must do all we can. We will look for money by the grace of God to pump into the sector. But we must get value for that money, ” he said.
The governor maintained that with the formidable structure in the state’s water and sanitation sector, there was no reason for citizens to languish in lack of water and also poor sanitary conditions
He charged technocrats within the sector to acquaint themselves with contemporary skills for the improvement and advancement of the sector.
Speaking at the event, Mr Bashir Datti, Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, tasked the stakeholders on collaborative efforts to boost the sector.
Datti urged all parties to join hands, in line with the governor’s vision for peace, progress, and prosperity, to ensure that the sector was not lagging behind.
“We recognise the vital role water plays in sustaining our communities, driving economic growth, and protecting public health.
“Today, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration and innovative solutions in addressing the challenges facing our water sector. Clean water is a crucial component of the governor’s vision.
”We must work together, leveraging on our collective expertise, to ensure that the State’s water sector is managed in a way that benefits all citizens and supports the overall growth and prosperity of the state,” the commissioner said.