Zulum Unveils Water Projects in Maiduguri as 25 New Boreholes Drilled in Mafoni
….Residents Praise Zulum’s Efforts
In response to the devastating flood disaster of 10 September 2024, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has initiated an aggressive and coordinated response to address the acute water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.
The flood, described as an unprecedented event in terms of scale, caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including critical water supply points.
This disruption significantly impeded the flow of water from Alau Dam, particularly affecting Maiduguri city centre and surrounding areas.
To alleviate the hardship faced by residents in accessing portable water for domestic use in areas such as Gwange, Mafoni, Lamisula, Wulari and Ngarannam, Governor Zulum has approved the immediate rehabilitation, upgrade, and construction of boreholes across various locations in the metropolis.
Key interventions under this emergency initiative include the conversion of 48 lower aquifer boreholes to hybrid energy systems and the construction of 50 new upper aquifer boreholes. These projects aim to restore and enhance water accessibility for thousands of residents.
During an inspection tour of project sites, the General Manager of Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Dr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, briefed journalists on the progress of the interventions.
“Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the construction of 50 upper aquifer boreholes within Maiduguri and its surrounding areas. The project is already underway, with over 25 boreholes drilled and several already outfitted,” Dr Aliyu stated.
He further explained that many of the lower aquifer boreholes being upgraded were originally constructed over 40 years ago. These have now been retrofitted with 50-horsepower solar-powered systems, capable of supplying water within a five-kilometre radius.
Highlighting the importance of these upgrades, Dr Aliyu said, “The governor’s commitment to providing potable water is commendable. Here in Kasuwan Gwoza, we have converted a 50-horsepower borehole to solar energy. Without this intervention, residents would have no access to water as the original infrastructure was badly affected.”
In addition, the Governor has sanctioned the construction of 10 new lower aquifer (ruwan zafi) boreholes, with work currently in progress.
Dr Aliyu assured residents that, over the coming weeks, the issue of water scarcity in the capital city would be substantially mitigated.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we are making every effort to reduce water scarcity in Maiduguri metropolis to the barest minimum,” he affirmed.
Drilled 25 New Boreholes in Mafoni and Other Areas
As part of the broader intervention, the Borno State Government has constructed 25 new boreholes in Maiduguri and surrounding communities. Of these, 10 boreholes were established in the Mafoni area alone — one of the worst-hit communities following the flood.
According to Dr Aliyu, five of these boreholes were newly constructed, while another five were rehabilitated and upgraded.
“His Excellency personally visited Mafoni after the flood and promised swift intervention. Within a month, 10 boreholes were drilled and reticulated to various distribution points across the community,” Dr Aliyu explained.
Residents Laud Governor Zulum’s Swift Response
Residents of Gwange 1 (Mai Jir), Kasuwan Gwoza, Mafoni, Bulabulin Ngarannam, Federal Low Cost, and Shuwari 1, 2, and 3 have expressed deep appreciation for the Zulum administration’s proactive efforts in restoring water supply.
Speaking on behalf of the Mafoni community, residents noted: “We cannot thank the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum enough.
Previously, we spent hours every morning searching for water, which affected our livelihoods and the education of our children. Alhamdulillah, with the drilling of these new boreholes, the water challenge in our area has been significantly resolved.”
