By Abbas Nazil
Borno State government is to construct 50 emergency boreholes across Maiduguri metropolis and its environs to address the severe scarcity of water plaguing the area.
This decision follows the devastating flood of September 10, 2024, which significantly damaged critical water supply systems and disrupted the flow of water from Alau Dam, particularly affecting central Maiduguri and nearby communities.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Zulum has also approved the conversion of 48 existing lower aquifer boreholes to hybrid energy systems powered by solar technology.
These interventions are intended to provide long-term, sustainable access to potable water for residents in flood-hit areas including Gwange, Mafoni, Lamisula, Wulari, and Ngarannam.
Announcing these decisions during a recent project inspection, Dr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, General Manager of the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), disclosed that more than 25 of the approved upper aquifer boreholes have already been drilled, with several now fully operational.
He noted that the retrofitting of older boreholes with 50-horsepower solar-powered pumps has significantly enhanced their capacity, enabling them to supply water to areas within a five-kilometre radius.
Dr Aliyu said many of the lower aquifer boreholes were initially constructed over four decades ago and had deteriorated over time.
With the solar-powered upgrades, these boreholes can now reliably meet the water needs of thousands of households.
He specifically cited the Kasuwan Gwoza area as a beneficiary, where an old borehole was recently converted to solar energy, restoring water access to the local population.
In addition to these upgrades, the generator manager said Governor Zulum has also sanctioned the construction of 10 new lower aquifer (ruwan zafi) boreholes, with construction already underway.
As part of the broader initiative, 25 new boreholes have been completed across Maiduguri and its environs.
Of these, the Mafoni community—one of the areas worst affected by the recent flood received 10 boreholes, including five newly constructed and five rehabilitated units.
Dr Aliyu noted that Governor Zulum personally visited Mafoni shortly after the flood and pledged urgent intervention.
Dr Aliyu assured residents that the state government remains committed to minimizing water scarcity in the capital city, pledging that the ongoing efforts would soon yield lasting results for Maiduguri.