Residents in Bauchi State have been advised against connecting water pipelines to their residences without official permission.
In a Friday interview in Bauchi with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Aliyu Gital, MD of the Bauchi State Water and Sewerage Corporation (BSWSC), issued the warning.
In order to increase the state’s water supply, he pleaded with individuals who were participating in the unlawful connection of water pipes to stop.
Aliyu said that the state’s water supply had been badly impacted by illegal pipeline connections, therefore residents should try to avoid making them.
“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any resident that engages in illegal connection of pipe borne water in the state.
“Most of our pipe leakages were caused by unprofessional pipe connections that lead to scarcity of water in Bauchi Metropolis.
“We are also warning against building and erection of structures on water pipes. Residents should also take note of that before the law catches up with them,” the MD said.
He said that the state government is doing its best to provide potable water to communities across the state.
“But our challenge is that power supply affects water supply, reducing supply by 40 percent.
“The residents allow waste of water without reporting to the relevant authorities for rectification,” he said.
He urged consumers to regularly pay their water bill for sustenance of the system and regular flow of water to the residents.
Gital restated the commitment of the board to continue to provide potable water supply to the residents.
He, however, called on the relevant stakeholders to support the State Government in its efforts to improve water supply and safeguard water facilities in the state.