Sokoto says N1.2bn spent on drilling 25 new boreholes, not renovation

Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu

The Sokoto State government has clarified that the N1.2 billion was spent on drilling new boreholes, not on renovating existing ones.

This clarification comes in response to social media reports quoting the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, as stating that the amount was used for the renovation of 25 boreholes.

In reaction to these social media reports, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abubakar Bawa, issued a press statement on Thursday, describing the reports as a misconception spread by detractors.

He said, “The Sokoto State Government has been made aware of a misconception circulating about its efforts to provide potable drinking water to rural areas through the drilling of boreholes.

“The misinformation claims that the state government spent N1.2 billion renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.

“In reality, the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank under the ACReSAL programme, has drilled 25 solar-powered boreholes in Munki, Marnona, Dinawa, Lugu, and Wurno. This also includes perimeter fencing and a 40-kilometre shelter belt, all at the cost of N1.2 billion.”

The statement continued, “Contrary to the suggestion that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes, the amount actually covers the drilling of 25 new solar-powered boreholes and other related projects, not renovations.

“It is important to clarify that no boreholes existed in these areas before this administration.

“This administration initiated these projects to address the long-standing water scarcity in these communities.”

Bawa further explained that the people of Wurno Local Government have long faced severe water shortages, forcing residents to travel long distances for water, which has impacted school enrolment and retention.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s decision to drill solar-powered boreholes in collaboration with the World Bank and the ACReSAL programme aims to alleviate this problem.

“You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. There were no boreholes in these areas before this administration took office.

“These communities have only recently experienced the benefits of boreholes thanks to the efforts of a responsive and dedicated governor.”

He concluded by stating that the purpose of the statement is to correct the record and address the misconceptions propagated by those with ill intentions.