Yobe: Over N10bn Spent So Far In Providing Potable Water

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, March 19, (THEWILL) - Over N10bn has so far been spent by the Yobe State Government and its development partners to ensure access to potable water for citizens and residents of the state since 2007.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Yakubu Sidi Karasuwa, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the government's investment and assistance from donor agencies have raised access to safe potable water in the state by 51 percent.

He disclosed that before the advent of the present administration the percentage of safe water in the state was as low as 22 percent.

Karasuwa said the situation was so bad in 2007 but the situation has drastically improved now.

According to the Commissioner, "The percentage of access to safe water was as low as 22 percent before 2007 when the present regime of Gov.

Ibrahim Gaidam stepped up its commitment on investment in the water sector in the state.

" He noted that the State Government from 2007 in partnership with other development partners have invested over N10 billion in the sector in the state.

He listed the water projects initiated to include 300 hand-dug wells already being constructed in 10 Local Government Areas of the state at the cost of N400 million under the African Development Fund (ADF).

Federal Government intervention in rural water supply through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs and the drilling and rehabilitation of 506 boreholes at the cost of over N2.

6bn for 330 rural communities in 10 Local Government Areas.

"In line with the MDG targets, the state government will provide 100 percent coverage of all the rural communities with adequate and safe drinking water, as well as, sanitation facilities by the year 2015.

"Our target is that, by the end of the programme, 850 communities in the 17 Local Government Areas will benefit from the rural water supply and sanitation programme,' he assured.

The commissioner said, 'With serious work currently going on at the Damaturu Regional Water Project, the people of Damaturu will soon forget totally about water as water will soon start running on a daily basis in the area.

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