By Rahab Tali
The Plateau State Government has convened a high-level meeting with key water sector stakeholders to address the persistent water scarcity affecting Langtang South Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
The meeting, held at the instance of the Governor of Plateau State, brought together critical actors in the water sector to deliberate on immediate and long-term solutions to the crisis.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, BLDR. Jeremiah Satmak, who chaired the session on behalf of Governor Mutfwang, stated that the engagement was aimed at identifying appropriate interventions and developing sustainable strategies to improve access to water supply in the affected areas.
He further disclosed that a committee would be constituted from among the key sector players to review the situation and provide actionable recommendations to the state government. He directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, to facilitate the constitution of the committee, which is expected to submit its report within one week.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Datti, noted that the meeting was convened to critically examine the water crisis, particularly in Langtang South. He highlighted ongoing interventions under the SURWASH and AFD programmes, stating that these initiatives have contributed to alleviating water challenges in some Local Government Areas.
He emphasised that the contributions of key sector players remain vital in supporting the Ministry and its agencies to deliver on their mandate of providing safe, adequate, and sustainable water supply across the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Hon. Nanfa Alhassan commended the state government for its swift response. He described the situation as critical, noting that it has resulted in several health challenges and requires urgent intervention.
The chairman further disclosed that the local government had engaged Desert Vent Projects Ltd. to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the area and propose sustainable water supply solutions.
In a presentation, the Lead Consultant of Desert Vent Projects Ltd. revealed that the team undertook a four-month assessment of existing dams and water sources within the local government area. He added that the study has been completed and the report submitted.
Other stakeholders present at the meeting included the Adviser to the Governor on Carbon Credit; the Technical Adviser on Water Management; heads of water agencies; State Programme Coordinators for SURWASH, AFD, and ACReSAL; the Acting Executive Secretary of the Water Sector Regulatory Commission; as well as directors from the ministry and its agencies.
