By Ahmed Kaigama

The Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation (BSUWSC) has installed a 7.5 MVA transformer to help tackle persistent water scarcity in parts of the metropolis.

General Manager of the corporation, Mr Aliyu Gital, announced the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bauchi.

He said the transformer was expected to significantly enhance the pumping capacity of water across four to five major tanks supplying the city.

“It will not only ensure consistent water supply but also support economic activities and improve public health. Water is life,” Gital stated.

While acknowledging the progress, Gital noted that challenges remained.

He explained that recent pipe bursts were caused by increased water pressure, but maintenance crews were actively addressing the issue.

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with leaders in the Unguwar Hardo Community to resolve water problems caused by the area’s hilly terrain.

“About 70 per cent of the Hardo Community now has water,” he said, urging residents to avoid using substandard pipes to prevent future leaks.

“Unguwar Hardo and Tudun Alkali are two densely populated communities in Bauchi suffering from severe water shortages.

“Residents report that families struggle daily to access clean water.

“Children often miss school to fetch water from distant sources, while adults spend hours in queues or walk miles carrying containers, sometimes with babies strapped to their backs.”

Fatima Ajiya, a housewife from Unguwar Hardo, shared the burden: “Sometimes we leave home so early to search for water that we miss our morning prayers,” she said.

Malam Muhammad Adamu, the community leader (Mai Unguwa) of Unguwar Hardo, expressed deep concern over the crisis, particularly its impact on girls’ education.

He advised the state governor to prioritise the issue, emphasising that such a situation should not be allowed to persist in the heart of Bauchi metropolis. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Kano State Fire Service says it rescued 30 persons and saved property worth N566 million from 176 incidents recorded between March and April.

Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the service, said that 20 persons lost their lives, while properties worth N4.5 billion were destroyed by fire within the period under review.

He also said that the service responded to 26 emergency calls and six false alarms from residents of the state.

He advised residents to handle fire with care and turn off electrical appliances before leaving their homes, shops or marketplace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Deborah Coker

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday enlisted APC state chairmen to monitor and evaluate road projects across Nigeria for improved service delivery.

He disclosed this during a courtesy visit by members of the Forum of All Progressives Congress in Nigeria to his office in Abuja.

Umahi said the move was necessary as the government aims to boost infrastructure development nationwide.

He emphasised the need for objective oversight of road projects, stating APC chairmen would help ensure proper execution and national benefit.

A communication platform, he added, would be created to enable seamless information exchange between parties.

“We are committed to completing all projects, and I want you to partner with us. If I’m visiting a site, I’d like you to join me there,” Umahi said.

“Keep me informed — your sacrifices during the election deserve recognition,” he stated.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to involve the party’s leadership in developmental efforts.

Umahi praised the chairmen for advancing the Renewed Hope mandate and urged similar support for other ministers to showcase their work.

He affirmed that the APC-led government remains devoted to delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.

According to him, President Tinubu boosted the economy by promoting local content and discouraging unnecessary imports.

He revealed ongoing projects in nearly all states across Nigeria.

“President Tinubu inherited 2,604 projects worth around ₦13 trillion, with contractors owed nearly ₦1 trillion.

“Following a review, inflation and subsidy removal raised the total to ₦19 trillion for completion,” Umahi noted.

He added that 440 key projects along economic corridors were prioritised, with 65 new ones, including four legacy bridges, already underway.

Ongoing works include those in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara, while the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road nears completion.

A contract worth ₦754 billion was also awarded for the Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road.

“We have many reasons to commend the president, with global recognition now coming our way,” he said.

Similarly, Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, lauded the President for appointing Umahi to lead the infrastructure renewal.

Goronyo noted that roads account for nearly 90 per cent of transport, and the President has ensured safer travels nationwide.

Earlier, Alphonsus Eba, Secretary of the APC State Chairmen Forum, said the visit was to commend Umahi’s efforts.

“We thank the President for discovering you — you’ve contributed over 50 per cent of the President’s electoral goodwill,” Eba stated.

He said the group seeks partnership to serve as volunteer project monitors across states.

“We’ve already begun political mobilisation in preparation for the president’s re-election,” he said.

Eba appealed for help in completing roads and bridges in Taraba, Niger, and the Calabar–Itu axis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise credible valuation of national assets to attract investments.

The NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, made the call on Monday in Abuja. at a news conference on the 2025 International Valuation Day.

Alonge emphasised the importance of asset valuation in economic decision-making and financial stability, citing its role in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s resources for sustainable development.

According to him, credible valuation of national assets is crucial for effective national planning, financial reporting, and attracting local and foreign investments.

“Asset valuations that comply with the approved global standards foster investor confidence and significantly contribute to financial stability, both of which are essential for economic development.

“Valuations are necessary for assessing the values of tangible assets, businesses, intangible assets, and financial instruments,’’ he said

According to the NIESV President, credible valuation of national assets is also important for the success of the proposed tax reforms by the Federal Government.

He said that before imputing tax on an asset, there is the need to determine its true worth, its value, which must be firm and reliable.

“The value of the asset would indicate the percentage of tax you place on it.

“That makes the theme for 2025 International Valuation Day `Tax Reform for National Economic Prosperity: Why Valuation Matter’, critical and appropriate,’’ he said.

Alonge noted that the NIESV is a critical partner to government in the proposed tax reform regime.

He added that without the role and influence of NIESV within the Nigerian context, it would be very difficult for the nation to advance in economic development.

According to him, Estate Surveyors and Valuers are the only professionals trained and equipped with the analytical skill of determining the current or projected worth of an asset.

“It is, therefore, absolutely wrong, and illegal to give valuation jobs to non-estate surveying and valuation firms,’’ he said.

Alonge equally underscored the need to formulate and strengthen a national housing policy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, rents, price of building materials among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi