In an effort to boost water supply to residents, the Kebbi State Government has embarked on the rehabilitation and conversion of boreholes from electricity to solar powered.
This is with a view to easing water supply to residents, especially in the present electricity disorder in the state.
The state has been experiencing unstable power supply for several weeks as a result of the collapse of five power towers transmitting electricity from Kainji to Kebbi, now under repairs.
Addressing Journalists at his office in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Bello Abdullahi Ka’oje, said Gov. Nasir Idris, has provided necessary wherewithal to the ministry for the treatment and supply of water to all inhabitants in the state.
“The governor has given substantial amount of money to buy diesel to complement the operation of water treatment centres, in view of the fact that such plants need a lot of energy.
“He has also approved 2nd quarter purchase of chemicals for water treatment.
“On his approval, four units of boreholes have been sunk recently at Bayan-Kara market and old garage in Birnin Kebbi, while similar scheme is a recurring decimal in all parts of the state towards ensuring regularity in water supply.
“In the state capital Birnin Kebbi, 50 boreholes have been rehabilitated and converted into solar powered”, the commissioner announced.
Bello Ka’oje added that the incumbent administration of Gov. Nasir Idris had been actively involved in partnership with global organisations on water and hygiene to improve the health and livelihood of both urban and rural communities.
“At present, Kebbi is in partnership with World Bank Assisted Programmes of: Sustainable Urban Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH); Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project; Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes Project (ACRESAL); as well as UNICEF assisted programme of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“Kebbi government has fulfilled its obligation on counterpart funding, while communities designated for the schemes are already benefitting,” Ka’oje said.
The commissioner expressed delight about the UNICEF programme on open defecation which had been implemented in Arewa, Shanga and Bagudo Local Government Areas.
“We are happy to announce that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and UNICEF have declared Bagudo and Shanga open defecation-free, while the feat is soon achievable in Arewa.
“The health of the people is premised on water and hygiene, essential for good living and disease-free society,” he explained.
The commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmad B-K, attended the news briefing by the commissioner.
