Collapsed 450,000-Litre Reservoir Throws Parts of Jalingo Into Water Crisis

Residents of parts of Jalingo, including Taraba State University, Mallum Quarters, Nukkai and the ATC axis, are experiencing acute water shortage following the damage of a major water reservoir at Karofi.

The affected facility, a 450,000-litre water reservoir, reportedly collapsed after being overstretched by high production pressure. The reservoir had been a key source of water supply to the affected communities before the incident.

In response to the development, the Taraba State Commissioner for Water Resources and Management, Hon. Daniel Ishaku, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, visited the Karofi site to assess the extent of the damage.

Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of the Taraba State Water Supply Agency (TAWASCO), Mr. Kafia Enoch Musa, appealed to residents of the affected areas to remain patient as the government works towards resolving the situation.

Musa said detailed reports on the incident would be forwarded to Governor Agbu Kefas for urgent intervention, expressing confidence that the governor would act swiftly to address the water crisis.

He disclosed that the damaged reservoir is one of four water facilities donated to the state as intervention projects by the African Development Bank, noting that the lifespan of the reservoirs had already elapsed.

According to him, "These reservoirs were intervention facilities and were expected to have expired by now. Unfortunately, the pressure of high production contributed to the damage we are seeing."

Musa assured residents that once the governor receives the full report, necessary steps would be taken to restore water supply to the affected areas as soon as possible.

The incident has disrupted daily activities across the affected communities, particularly at Taraba State University, where students and staff now struggle to access water for domestic and academic needs.