By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Executive Chairman, Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission (KSWSRC), Dr. Dogara Bashir, has advised the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) to develop and implement a programme that will ensure that all water consumers in the state are metered to promote transparency and efficiency in water supply delivery.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Consumer Affairs, Dauda Idris Doka, the KSWSRC Executive Chairman gave the advice during a public hearing organised by the Commission on the credibility of billing and water shortage in some communities within the Kaduna metropolis.

According to him, the hearing was not aimed at witch-hunting anybody, but rather to get to the root of the problems hindering efficient water supply within the state.

He therefore warned that no water provider should intimidate any consumer or group for filing complaint against it to the commission, which, according to him was primarily established to ensure effective and efficient water supply and sanitation by promoting good relationship between service providers and their customers.

Dr Bashir urged members of the public to be conscious of the need to pay their water bills promptly, adding that the bills were highly subsidised by the State Government.

Earlier, the three complainants at the hearing, Mrs. Joanna Kadiya, a resident of Sultan Road, Austin Orgah, a resident of Dawaki Road, and Gambo Dan Musa complained of inadequate water supply in their houses for the past one to two years, despite the regular and excessive billings they are subjected to.

One of them said after several complaints that were written to the corporation, instead of coming to their rescue, the KASWAC wrote a disconnection notice after hearing that a

complaint was filed at the commission.

Reacting to the complaints, the Managing Director of the corporation, who was represented by the Acting Director, Commercial Malam Bashir Mohammed Makarfi, admitted that in the past, the corporation faced challenges of water treatment chemicals and frequent power cuts which affected their ability to meet up with the demand for water.

He however assured citizens of the state that the corporation has put plans in motion to improve water supply as well as digitalise its operations and ensure that all its consumers in the state are metered.

He gave the assurance the commission would not intimidate any complainant as the management was not aware of any disconnection notice issued to any complainant.

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