The Sokoto State government has stated that N1.2 billion expenditure was allocated for drilling new boreholes rather than renovating existing ones.
This clarification was in response to social media reports said to have misquoted Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who was said to have mentioned that the funds were used for renovating 25 boreholes.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abubakar Bawa labeled the reports as a misconception propagated by critics.
“The Sokoto State Government has become aware of misinformation about its efforts to provide potable drinking water through the drilling of new boreholes,” Bawa stated. “The false claims suggest that the N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.”
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Bawa explained, “In reality, the state government, in partnership 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.”
He continued, “The amount of N1.2 billion covered the drilling of 25 new solar-powered boreholes and related projects, not renovations. It is crucial to clarify that no boreholes existed in these areas prior to this administration.”
Bawa highlighted that residents of Wurno Local Government had long faced severe water shortages, necessitating long journeys for water and affecting school enrolment and retention.
“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s initiative to drill solar-powered boreholes, in collaboration with the World Bank and the ACReSAL programme, aims to address this issue. You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. These communities have only recently benefited from boreholes due to the efforts of a responsive and dedicated governor.”
The statement concluded with Bawa’s aim to correct the record and address the misconceptions spread by those with ulterior motives.
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