The recent fuel crisis in Sokoto has thrown residents into a dire situation, exposing them to challenging living conditions. Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveal that many motorcycle taxi, tricycle, and passenger drivers have been compelled to halt their operations due to the scarcity of fuel.
NAN’s investigations indicate that most fuel stations have run out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as gasoline. This worrisome discovery has caused a surge in fuel prices, with some stations selling gasoline for prices ranging between 750 and 1,200 naira per liter. Street vendors are taking advantage of the shortage by offering gasoline at exorbitant rates of 2,000 naira per liter.
Heart-rending testimonies from individuals like Malam Haruna Muhammad, Jami’u Afolabi, and Abdullahi Maigidaje underscore the severe consequences of this crisis on the populace. Some have resorted to purchasing fuel at inflated prices from street sellers, shelling out as much as N10,000 for a 4-liter container. The escalating prices and scarcity of fuel have also impacted transportation costs, burdening residents who now have to pay hefty amounts for travel.
In addition to the fuel crisis, Sokoto is grappling with a severe shortage of potable water. The city’s taps have run dry, forcing residents to seek water wherever possible, while the local government is striving to alleviate the situation by supplying water through tanker trucks. The prices of water sold by street vendors have also surged, reflecting the challenges in ensuring water access under these trying circumstances.
Confronted with this critical scenario, Alhaji Yusuf Maccido, the state’s water resources commissioner, has established a committee to rehabilitate water systems. Immediate and long-term strategies are being implemented to repair faulty equipment, including water pumping motors and land dams. The commissioner has pledged to restore water supply in Sokoto by fixing Kware pumps and collaborating with expert engineers in the sector.
To conclude, the fuel crisis and water scarcity in Sokoto vividly portray the hardships faced by the region’s inhabitants. Urgent actions are necessary to mitigate these adverse effects and ensure fair access to essential resources like water and energy.
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5. External Article: Scarcity Worsens in Sokoto as Black Marketers Sell Fuel at Naira 2,000/litre