The Federal Government launches takeoff of the construction of boreholes nationwide under the 2016 Appropriation Act on Monday 9th January, 2017 targeting the Internally Displaced Person Camps (IDPs), Disaster Challenged Areas and Public Areas.According to the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, FNSE in a meeting with the successful contractors in Abuja, he said that the construction of the small water supply schemes in various states of the country would boost the estimated 69% national access to potable water in Nigeria.
Adamu noted that 69% translate to about 56million Nigerians still lack access to potable water as a result of uncoordinated efforts made by Government at all levels and Development Partners.
To address the gap, according to the Minister, the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) was launched recently by the Vice President, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON. It is hope that this would bring together Federal, State and Local Governments towards improving the national access to potable water supply in the near term.
“These borehole projects are very important to us as they are meant to provide sustainable water supply to the Internally Displaced Persons, Disaster Challenged Areas and some Public Areas nationwide, he said.
He charged the contractors to adhere to specifications of the construction of the boreholes as well as the local communities taking ownership of the projects.
The Director of Water Supply of the Ministry, Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, stated that about 65 boreholes have been awarded so far in the nationwide borehole to 55 contractors covering 28 States of the Federation with the charge to adhere to best practices of drilling boreholes.
Responding on behalf of other contractors, Engr. Micheal Ale thanked Federal government for the opportunity and said that they will stick to the terms of engagement in the drilling of the micro water schemes across the country in boosting water supply.
Margaret E. Umoh
Director (Information & Public Relations unit)
