Katsina | November 5, 2025
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has flagged off the ₦31.8 billion Zobe Phase 1B Water Project, marking a historic milestone in the state’s four-decade-long quest for clean and reliable water supply.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday at the Kafin Soli Booster Station, Governor Radda said the project represented a “promise finally fulfilled,” assuring that his administration would not relent until every citizen of the state has access to clean and safe water.
He explained that although the Zobe Dam was completed in 1983, its potential to serve millions across the state had remained largely untapped. The new phase, awarded to Mutual Commitment Company Limited (MCC), is designed to bring potable water to over 16 communities, including Karofi-Radda, Kafin Soli, Tafashiya, Kankia, Koda-Charanchi, Batagarawa, and others.
“This project is not just about pipes and pumps; it’s about life, health, and dignity,” the governor said.
Radda assured that transparency and close supervision would guide every stage of implementation to ensure quality delivery and timely completion. He added that the project aligns with the state’s participation in the World Bank-supported SURWASH Programme, which is already improving access to water in eight local government areas.
The governor also disclosed that rehabilitation works are ongoing at Ajiwa, Danja, and Sabuwa Dams, alongside Katsina’s involvement in the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, which includes approved designs for both Zobe and Danja Dams to boost irrigation, hydropower generation, and food security.
“Our goal is not just to build new systems but to create sustainable infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” Radda added.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, described the event as a major milestone in the governor’s drive to guarantee safe and reliable water for the people of Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Batagarawa, and Katsina LGAs. He emphasized that access to clean water is a right, not a privilege, noting that the project would help reduce waterborne diseases and improve sanitation.
The Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, Engr. Tukur Tinglin, explained that while the Zobe Dam was designed to supply nearly half of Katsina’s daily water demand, it had remained underutilized for years. He said Phase 1A, completed in July 2022, currently produces about 45 million litres per day, whereas Katsina metropolis alone needs over 130 million litres daily.
The Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, Engr. Tukur Tinglin
“That is why Phase 1B is so critical,” he said. “It extends the distribution network to homes, schools, and businesses, transforming forty years of waiting into a new era of progress.”
The Group Managing Director of MCC Limited, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, commended Governor Radda’s leadership and commitment, revealing that the governor had personally visited the site in 2023 and ensured that all financial obligations were met to fast-track progress.
The Group Managing Director of MCC Limited, Mr. Liu Zhaolong
He said the project has already started impacting local agriculture and trade, describing it as “a model of home-grown leadership driven by vision and accountability.” Mr. Liu pledged that MCC would complete the project within one year, maintaining high standards and training local engineers in water management.
Traditional leaders and stakeholders also lauded the initiative. The District Head of Dutsin-Ma and Yandakan Katsina, Alhaji Sada Mohammed Sada, speaking on behalf of five benefiting district heads, called it the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. Similarly, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (Rtd.) hailed the project as a transformative step for the state.
The Chairman of Kankia Local Government, Hon. Lawal Abdullahi, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the benefiting LGAs, praised Governor Radda’s dedication, saying, “This project directly touches the lives of our people. We thank the Governor for this life-changing intervention and assure him of our continued support.”
Dignitaries present included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari; ALGON chairmen; representatives of the Chief Judge and Grand Khadi; members of the State Executive Council; and emissaries from the Katsina and Daura Emirates.
The Zobe Phase 1B project is fully funded by the Katsina State Government and is expected to deliver lasting socio-economic benefits by boosting access to clean water, creating jobs, and enhancing industrial and agricultural productivity across the state.
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