The Sokoto State Government has clarified that the N1.2 billion was released for the construction of brand new boreholes and not renovation.
Recall that Governor Ahmad Aliyu had earlier disclosed that his administration spent N1.2 billion for the renovation of 25 boreholes in five different communities in the state.
The report sparked massive criticism, with many insinuating that the amount is highly ridiculous to maintain boreholes.
However, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the state commissioner for environment, Nura Shehu, said the boreholes referred to by the governor were brand new solar boreholes constructed with the support of the World Bank.
He explained that the communities lacked boreholes and access to quality water before the coming of the current administration.
According to him, the newly drilled boreholes, are located in five different areas: Munki, Manuna, Lugu, Kinawa, and Dawuru.
He noted that similar projects are being implemented across Northern Nigeria, including in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina states, with costs being relatively consistent due to the involvement of the World Bank.
His statement read: “My attention has been drawn to a video clip where Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State is quoted to have said that 25 number of boreholes were renovated at the cost of N1.2 billion.
“This project was done under my ministry, and as the commissioner of the ministry, I’m in the best position to clarify this issue.
“The fact of the matter is it was not a new one, it was brand new boreholes drilled by his excellency of Sokoto state and the World Bank project.
“Before he came on board as the Governor of Sokoto State there were no existing boreholes around the area.
“Nothing like boreholes, so we can’t talk about renovation that is not in existence.
“What happened is a new one drilled solar powered boreholes in whole local government areas scattered in different places like Munki, Manuna, Lugu, Kinawa, and Dawuru. These are five places where these 25 boreholes were drilled.
“And this is a collaboration effort between the Sokoto State government and the World Bank.
“And if you go to any other states which are benefiting from Northern Nigeria you will see the cost is almost the same. This kind of project is everywhere. There are similar projects in Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and all the 19 states.
“There are similar projects of the same nature and they have been financed by the World Bank and the cost is almost the same. So it is not an issue of renovation, it is an issue of brand new boreholes drilled by the Sokoto State government in collaboration with the World Bank.”
