By Nasir Dambatta
Two major events recently put Kaduna State in the spotlight—World Tuberculosis Day and World Water Day. On both occasions, the numbers told a powerful story.
In Kaduna today, results are no longer based on promises—they are visible, measurable, and easy to track. Within the same period, the administration of Uba Sani has recorded two major achievements: a strong push against tuberculosis (TB) and significant progress in water supply.
On tuberculosis, the figures are clear and impressive. Kaduna has detected 32,297 TB cases, while services are now available in 78 percent of health facilities across the state. This marks a major shift from limited access to near statewide coverage.
Even more striking is the scale of expansion. TB services now reach over 1,200 health facilities, up from just 298 in 2017—more than four times growth. Screening has also widened significantly, with over 454,000 people tested, leading to earlier detection and quicker treatment.
With the deployment of GeneXpert machines, digital X-rays, and mobile testing units, the state is no longer waiting for patients—it is actively finding them, especially in rural communities.
The results are hard to ignore. In 2025 alone, Kaduna recorded 22,321 TB cases, with all patients placed on treatment and a 98.7 percent success rate—well above national benchmarks and a strong sign of effective care and follow-up.
On a separate but equally important front, the water sector is witnessing real, measurable progress. Over 1.5 million residents now have improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Water production has also increased from about 450 million litres per day in 2023 to over 530 million litres.
This progress is part of a broader multi-billion naira investment estimated at between ₦93 billion and ₦100 billion, aimed at rebuilding Kaduna’s water system from the ground up.
Within this effort, over ₦5 billion has been spent replacing pipes damaged by vandalism and past urban renewal works, while ₦10 billion is going into priority pipeline expansion across key areas.
To guarantee safe drinking water, ₦1.4 billion has been committed for high-quality treatment chemicals. The government has also cleared ₦1.3 billion in electricity debts to keep water facilities running without disruption.
In addition, over ₦800 million in salary arrears owed to Kaduna State Water Corporation workers has been settled—restoring stability and improving service delivery.
From Kaduna to Zaria and Kafanchan, the impact is becoming clearer: water supply is more stable, systems are being restored, and long-standing challenges are being addressed in a coordinated way.
Each of these achievements stands on its own. One strengthens public health through aggressive TB control. The other improves daily life through access to clean and reliable water.
Together, they point to something bigger—a government increasingly judged by results. In Kaduna, progress is now being counted in real numbers: more people tested, more patients treated, and more households reached.
The message is simple: the results are visible, and they are growing.
Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media
