Sokoto govt clarifies N1.2bn spent on new boreholes

The Sokoto State government has clarified its statement regarding the drilling of boreholes, stating that the 1.2 billion naira spent was for the construction of new boreholes, not renovations.

This clarification follows social media reports quoting Governor Ahmed Aliyu as saying his administration had spent the large sum on the renovation of 25 boreholes.

Responding to these reports, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abubakar Bawa, in a press statement on Thursday, called the claims a misconception spread by “enemies of progress.”

He explained, “the attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a misconception being circulated about its interventions in providing potable drinking water to rural dwellers through the sinking of boreholes across the state.

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“In the misconception being spread by enemies of progress, it was claimed that the Sokoto State Government spent N1.2 billion to renovate boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.

“The truth is that the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank under the ACReSAL program, drilled 25 new boreholes in Munki, Marnona, Dinawa, Lugu, and Wurno, constructed perimeter fencing, and created a 40-kilometer shelter belt, all at the cost of N1.2 billion.”

The statement further clarified, “Contrary to the insinuation that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating 25 boreholes, the funds were actually used to drill 25 new solar-powered boreholes and other related projects, not on renovations.

“It is also important to categorically state that boreholes did not exist in these areas before this administration.

Therefore, it is this administration that initiated these projects to help these communities address the long-standing water scarcity they have been facing.”

Bawa went on to explain that Wurno Local Government has struggled with severe water shortages for many years, forcing residents to travel long distances to fetch water for their daily needs.

“This situation has significantly contributed to low school enrollment and retention in Wurno, as children are often sent to fetch water for domestic purposes,” he said.

“Given this, the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration, in collaboration with the World Bank and ACReSAL, decided to assist Wurno communities by drilling solar-powered boreholes in various areas.”

“You can’t renovate a project that doesn’t exist. No boreholes had been drilled in these areas before the current administration took office in Sokoto State.

“These communities had never experienced what is called a ‘borehole’ until now, under the leadership of a responsive and hardworking governor,” he added.

Bawa concluded by saying the clarification was necessary to set the record straight and counter the misinformation being spread by “enemies of progress and politicians with ill motives.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE