Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, officially flagged off the ₦31.8 billion Zobe Phase 1B Water Project, marking the end of a 40-year struggle for clean and reliable water supply across 16 communities in the state.

The announcement was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at Kafin Soli Booster Station, Governor Radda described the initiative as “a promise finally fulfilled,” noting that although the Zobe Dam was completed in 1983, its full potential had remained untapped for decades.

“This project is not just about pipes and pumps; it’s about life, health, and dignity,” Radda said.

The project, awarded to Mutual Commitment Company Limited (MCC), will deliver potable water to communities such as Karofi-Radda, Kafin Soli, Tafashiya, Kankia, Charanchi, Yarranda, Batagarawa, and others.

Governor Radda said the project aligns with the state’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative under the World Bank-supported SURWASH Programme, which is already expanding access to clean water in eight local government areas.

He also revealed that rehabilitation works were ongoing at Ajiwa, Danja, and Sabuwa Dams, with efforts aimed at improving water security and building sustainable infrastructure.

“Our goal is not just to build new systems but to create sustainable infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” the Governor added.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, described the project as a milestone in the Governor’s commitment to ensuring clean and reliable water supply. He said, “Access to clean water is not a privilege but a right. Katsina is moving from promises to visible, life-changing results.”

Also speaking, Engr. Tukur Tinglin, Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, said Phase 1B would expand distribution networks to homes, schools, and businesses. “This phase will transform forty years of waiting into a new era of progress,” he said.

The Group Managing Director of MCC, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, praised Governor Radda’s leadership, confirming that the company would complete the project within a year.

“The Governor honoured every financial commitment. Together, we achieved full water output before the rains,” Liu noted.

He added that the project had already boosted agricultural productivity and local trade, describing it as “a model of home-grown leadership driven by vision and accountability.”

Traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community leaders at the event hailed the project as a long-awaited dream now fulfilled.

Governor Radda reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, promising close supervision to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.

“This is not just a government project,” he said. “It’s a lifeline for our people.”