Sokoto government and World Bank say N1.2 billion spent on 25 boreholes

The Sokoto State government has stated that an expenditure of N1.2 billion was allocated for drilling new boreholes rather than renovating existing boreholes.

This clarification is in response to reports on social media that misquoted Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s statement that the funds were used to renovate 25 boreholes.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, described the report as a misconception spread by critics.

“The Sokoto State Government has been made aware of misinformation about its efforts to provide potable water through the drilling of new boreholes,” Bawa said. “The false claim is that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.”

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Bawa explained, “In fact, the county 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 a 40-kilometre perimeter fence and safety belt, all at a cost of N1.2 billion.”

He continued, “The Rp1.2 billion is for drilling 25 new solar-powered wells and related projects, not renovation. It is important to clarify that there were no wells in this area before this administration.”

Bawa highlighted that residents of Wurno Local Government have long faced severe water shortages, which necessitates long distance travel to fetch water and affects school enrolment and retention.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s initiative to drill solar-powered boreholes, in partnership with the World Bank and the ACReSAL program, aims to address this issue. You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. These communities have recently benefited from boreholes thanks to the responsive and dedicated efforts of the governor.”

The statement concluded with Bawa’s aim to correct the record and address misconceptions spread by those with ulterior motives.

Sokoto Govt, World Bank says N1.2 billion spent on 25 boreholes first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.