The Kano State Water Board says it now generates more than N160 million monthly, representing a 300 per cent increase in revenue collection.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Doguwa, disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano while briefing newsmen on the ministry’s activities.
He said that within seven months of assumption of office, the Board’s monthly revenue rose from less than N50 million to over N160 million.
“We have increased our revenue by over 300 per cent. Unlike before, the Board can now comfortably pay staff salaries, even after the state government’s implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage,” he said.
Doguwa said the ministry had procured 10 new water pumps and repaired five heavy-duty generators at Tamburawa and Challawa water treatment plants to improve supply across the state.
According to him, the government has, for the first time, captured a reliable census of industries in the state, which has boosted revenue collection.
He added that the government was working to rehabilitate the Tamburawa water intake and resand the Machalawa channel to improve water quality and reduce treatment costs.
The commissioner also said the ministry had taken action against staff indicted for water racketeering, adding that more than 80 suspects were arrested and handed over to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for prosecution.
On flood threats, Doguwa said dams across the state had been inspected and found to be safe, adding that monitoring would continue in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“Within a short period, we have restored stability, secured equipment, improved revenue and invested in infrastructure to ensure Kano people have access to clean water,” he said.