Officials of the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) have expressed gratitude towards Governor Uba Sani for his recent efforts to clear the N800 million backlog in staff salary arrears. This gesture, which they describe as “magnanimous,” has been lauded by KADSWAC employees and their families as a much-needed relief.
According to several KADSWAC staff members who spoke anonymously to reporters, the issue of unpaid salaries dates back to before Governor Sani’s administration, with previous administrations failing to address it. “He could have chosen to sweep the matter under the carpet, but he decided to tackle it once and for all,” said one employee. “He has shown that he has the milk of human kindness in him.”
Another KADSWAC staff member, Hajiya Hadiza, emphasized the governor’s commitment to workers and the welfare of the common man. “Judging from his policies and programs, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated that he has the plight of workers and the common man at heart. His rural transformation initiatives and efforts to revamp education and healthcare reflect that he is truly a people’s governor,” she added.
In a related statement, the Commissioner of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza, revealed that Governor Sani had approved a four-tranche payment plan to settle the salary backlog. Addressing journalists, Hamza confirmed that KADSWAC employees would be gradually reinstated onto the state payroll through 2027, by which time the corporation is expected to stabilize as a commercially viable entity.
Hamza also highlighted the governor’s strategic focus on transforming the state’s water sector, citing the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the sector and the appointment of Engineer Kabir Rufai as the new Managing Director of KADSWAC. In addition to settling salary arrears, the administration has committed N93 billion to KADSWAC’s development, with investments planned over the next four years. This substantial allocation will be rolled out in phases: N17 billion this year, N35 billion in 2025, N30 billion in 2026, and N11 billion in 2027.
The commissioner noted that the funds would be directed toward rehabilitating water treatment plants, enhancing distribution networks, and improving sanitation and hygiene services across the state.
