By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Governor Umar Namadi has inaugurated the drilling of 47 solar-powered boreholes as part of the World Bank-Assist...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi has inaugurated the drilling of 47 solar-powered boreholes as part of the World Bank-Assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project. The initiative aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in Birnin-Kudu, Gumel, and Hadejia Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Masaya, Birnin-Kudu LGA, Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of clean and accessible water in fostering public health, economic growth, and climate resilience.
“The importance of clean and accessible water cannot be overstated. As the saying goes, ‘Water is life’ and ‘Clean water means health.’ While Jigawa State has achieved approximately 90% access to clean drinking water, we remain committed to achieving universal access to safe drinking water—a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health, economic development, and community resilience,” the governor said.
The initiative includes the construction of 47 solar-powered boreholes, designed to collectively produce approximately 10,000 cubic liters of water daily. Governor Namadi explained that the projects would be distributed as follows: 17 boreholes in Masaya, Birnin-Kudu LGA; 15 at Government Girls Arabic School, Gumel LGA; and 15 at Hadejia Specialist Hospital in Hadejia LGA. These projects are expected to serve over 100,000 direct beneficiaries.
The project also includes additional infrastructure such as an 878-cubic-meter Braithwaite surface tank in Masaya and two 200-cubic-meter pressed steel overhead tanks at Gumel and Hadejia sites. Fully equipped office blocks with control rooms, stores, and solar-powered security lighting systems will also be built at each of the three locations within a fenced 5-hectare area.
The total cost of the projects is estimated at ₦2,297,708,000. The Masaya and Gumel projects will be executed by Zhonghoa Overseas Construction Engineering Company at ₦815.9 million and ₦745.3 million, respectively, while the Hadejia project will be undertaken by Ragaya & Sons Nigeria Limited at ₦736.0 million.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed Jigawa State’s commitment to achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6. He urged community members to take responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure to ensure its longevity.
Expressing gratitude to the World Bank and the ACReSAL Project Management Unit for their support, he also urged contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications and timelines.
“Our administration will continue to prioritize projects that enhance the well-being and resilience of our communities,” the governor concluded.
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