Water security pillar of modern governance, human development — Mutfwang

By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described water security as a fundamental pillar of modern governance and human development, stressing the need for sustainable reforms to expand access to potable water.

Mutfwang stated this in a keynote address at the opening of a two-day National Urban Water Sector Reform Project Coordination and Review Workshop in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, said the workshop provided an opportunity for policymakers, technical experts and stakeholders to develop practical solutions to challenges confronting Nigeria’s urban water sector.

He said water should not be regarded merely as a public utility, describing it as critical to economic productivity, public health, human dignity and social stability.

“As our cities continue to grow rapidly, the pressure on existing water infrastructure and municipal supply networks is becoming increasingly intense.

“This reality demands that we move beyond conventional approaches and embrace reforms that are strategic, sustainable, accountable and responsive to the realities of our growing urban populations,” he said.

Mutfwang said governments had a responsibility not only to provide infrastructure but also to establish systems capable of delivering water services efficiently, consistently and sustainably.

“Here in Plateau State, my administration considers water security a fundamental pillar of modern governance and human development.
“We are therefore committed to strengthening the institutions, infrastructure and systems required to expand access to potable water across the state,” he said.

He said the state government, through the Jos Water Services Corporation and in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, had continued to implement interventions aimed at improving water production, treatment and distribution.

According to him, the interventions include the expansion of municipal reticulation networks, rehabilitation of the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant, reticulation of the Mangu Regional Water Scheme, as well as rehabilitation and construction of water infrastructure in Bokkos, Langtang North, Langtang South and Wase.

The governor added that the state was also rehabilitating the Yakubu Gowon and Laminga water treatment plants with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Mutfwang said the interventions underscored the administration’s belief that expanding access to potable water required more than capital investment, but also strong institutions, effective regulation, sound management and sustained administrative discipline.

He described the quarterly review workshop as more than a routine administrative exercise, saying it provided a platform for accountability, peer learning, technical coordination, problem-solving and strategic realignment.

He urged participants, particularly State Project Implementation Units and other stakeholders, to use the two-day meeting to assess progress, identify implementation bottlenecks, share experiences and develop practical solutions to accelerate delivery.

“I therefore urge all State Project Implementation Units and stakeholders represented here to engage in these deliberations with candour, openness and a strong commitment to results,” he said.

Mutfwang also called for a critical review of performance indicators, saying stakeholders should identify areas requiring urgent intervention, address operational and administrative delays and develop realistic strategies to ensure that resources committed to the water sector deliver maximum value to Nigerians.

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