The Government of Ekiti State has commenced the rehabilitation of 121 boreholes across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.
Ekiti News reports that the government is using locally trained, artisans in advanced hand pump repair operating on a payment basis also known as Local Area Mechanics (LAMs).
Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the State Commissioner for Information disclosed this in Ado Ekiti, the State Capital.
The Commissioner said that the development followed the State Executive Council’s approval of a sum of N159,542,787.33 for the immediate rehabilitation of the boreholes through Direct Labour under the supervision of the State Small Towns, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EKSTRUWASSA).
Rt. Hon. Olatubodun said that the project which is expected to be completed within two weeks, is being executed under the Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (SURWASH), a World Bank-supported Performance for Result Financing (P for R) programme.
The government spokesman also advised the Area Mechanics to maximise the opportunity to prove their mettle, emphasising the importance of justifying the confidence reposed in them by doing a thorough job without recourse to professionals outside the State.
Soliciting the continued support of stakeholders for the Government’s efforts to make life more meaningful for residents and ensure the sustainability of this project, Olatunbosun also underscored the need for the communities to take ownership of the projects and protect the pumps from destruction and vandalism.