The ongoing excavation of silica sand along the northern bank of River Wudil poses a significant threat to the steady supply of potable water to Wudil, Gaya, and several parts of Warawa and Dawakin Kudu Local Government Areas of the state, originating from the Wudil Regional Water Supply Scheme.
This urgent concern was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources by the State Water Board, which led to Commissioner Hamza Safiyanu Kachako’s Wednesday visit to the riverbank. During this visit, he inspected the alterations caused by silica sand excavation that have adversely impacted five mechanized boreholes that supply water to the community reservoirs.
Engineer Lawan Rabiu, the Plant Manager of the Wudil Regional Water Supply Scheme, guided the commissioner on a walkthrough of the affected areas along the riverbank. The commissioner engaged in cautionary discussions with Malam Jamilu Ibrahim, the leader of the sand vendors. They explored potential collaborative measures to mitigate the ongoing threat that silica excavation poses to the local water supply. Malam Jamilu Ibrahim expressed his commitment to cooperate and accepted the commissioner’s invitation for a formal dialogue at the ministry to further address these pressing issues.
In addition, Commissioner Kachako conducted an unplanned visit to Natim Integrated Services Limited, a quarry firm located in Fangwai community under Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area. This visit was prompted by a complaint from the State History and Culture Bureau regarding potential threats posed by quarrying activities to Fangwai Hill, a regarded historical monument.
During the visit, Assistant Manager Salisu Yahaya Challawa provided insights into the quarry’s operations and responded positively to the commissioner’s inquiries.
Commissioner Hamza Safiyanu reaffirmed that Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to safeguarding the natural resources and the historical integrity of the state communities while ensuring that the livelihood of local vendors is taken into account.
The commissioner was accompanied on his visits by key officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Mansur Yakubu, Director of Solid Mineral Exploration, Muhammad Bala, and Director of Public Enlightenment, Adamu Ibrahim Dabo.