The Sokoto State government has taken steps to scale back rural-urban drift by stepping up infrastructure at the state’s grassroots areas.
The government reactivated no fewer than 46 hand pumps at the cost of N9.5 milliona and also purchased chemicals for drilling worth N9.5 million. Some 89 water schemes have likewise been completed at the cost of N112 million.
Not done, the administration of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko extended water scheme to Salame and rehabilitated water projects in Tungar Malam Rashidu and Binga in Gwadabawa Local Government Area and at Yaka and Karfen Chana in Gudu Local Government Area.
Another achievement of the Wamakko administration was the provision of three solar water schemes at Tangaza, Rabah and Kebbe local government areas as well as construction and erection of 50 water tanks with the capacity of 10,000 gallons each at the cost of N106 million.
In 2009, the government budgeted N510,376,963.00 that was used in reactivation of 200 motorised rural water schemes; construction of solar-powered boreholes, drilling of borehole in hard and soft formations, provision of generator house, overhead tanks, purchase of drilling rigs and supporting supervision vehicles.
In 2012, the administration constructed 10 complete motorised rural water schemes at Hurumi, Gandun–Ardo, Wauru, Adosa, Tungar Toro, Kwala Mamman, Kyadawa and Madorawa new settlement at the cost of N91,931,862.58.
Similarly, nine complete package solar-powered rural water schemes were constructed at the cost of N79 million. Also 50 overhead tanks which have capacity to store up to 5,000 gallons of water in different locations in the state were completed at the cost of N106, 870,800.
The administration also awarded contract for the construction/drilling of 32 complete package solar-powered rural water schemes across the state at the cost of N270, 068,816.00. The government is aggressive about provision of water to the rural areas as clean water complements healthcare delivery services through avoidance of water borne diseases.
The administration procured drilling chemicals, equipment and casting screen materials at the cost of N18, 000,000 and submersible pumps with starter electrical cables at the cost of N28, 500,000. It has completed Danbar Kwannawa water scheme in Illela Local Government Area at the cost of N3 million. It also procured another batch of submersible pumps, starters, electrical voltage and modern geographical/geological equipment at the cost of N27, 888,724 to enhance exploration for water and its distribution to rural areas.
Governor Wamakko’s administration completed motorised water scheme at Hiliya in Tambuwal Local Government at the cost of N930, 000 and that of Gidan Ali at the cost of N534, 000. The government awarded contract for the construction of four complete package of solar-powered rural water schemes at the sum of N34, 590,956.64 in four local government areas namely, Tudu, Bashire, Birjingo and Mashaya.
The Sokoto State government believes in total provision of amenities through the poverty reduction programme. For this reason, the Department of Water Supply has embarked on provision of more water to the rural areas. It embarked on motorised water schemes that target 89 of the schemes across the state. The state has expended about N111, 534,000 on this project.
In similar manner, the department has provided 50 overhead tanks and 50 boreholes throughout the state. The joint contract which cost N272, 500,000, has been completed.
The department also reactivated 26 hand pumps and handed them over to the communities. It has also embarked on the construction of 40 solar-powered /motorised water scheme as a way of supplementing shortage of electricity to power the scheme.
Having an ardent belief in equitable distribution of amenities, the administration of Governor Wamakko, through the Department of Rural Water Scheme, has been able to distribute water to all nook and cranny of the state so that every citizen would enjoy the benefits of democracy and good governance.
