Ekiti Government has received an intervention from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for the construction of a solar-powered borehole in Asin Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area.
The intervention is being implemented under the 2024/2025 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Special Project for Access to Drinking Water, aimed at improving access to safe, reliable and sustainable potable water in underserved communities across beneficiary countries.
The State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, said the project would improve access to safe and sustainable drinking water for residents of the rural community.
Aluko said the project would be implemented by Messrs Sunpower International Projects Ltd., with technical supervision by the Ekiti State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EKRUWASA) and monitoring by relevant Local Government Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) officers.
He said the intervention was being implemented through the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, following Nigeria’s selection as one of the beneficiary countries under the special project.
Following the official introduction of the project, a representative of the Federal Ministry held an inception meeting with the commissioner to establish the implementation framework, clarify responsibilities and discuss the commencement of activities in the beneficiary community.
The project team subsequently paid a familiarisation visit to Asin Ekiti, where it engaged traditional rulers, women representatives, religious leaders, youth representatives and other key community stakeholders.
The Alasin of Asin Ekiti, Ikole LGA, His Royal Majesty Oba Abraham O. Babalola II, welcomed the Federal Government delegation and state government representatives.
Babalola expressed appreciation for the intervention and the efforts to improve access to potable water in the community.
The engagement also enabled residents to seek clarification on the project and understand their roles in ensuring its successful implementation and sustainability.
The Project Supervisor from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Solomon Dogara, said the facility would become a community asset upon completion and formal handover.
Dogara urged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its protection, proper management and maintenance.
He said the community had been requested to provide suitable land for geophysical investigations to determine the most viable location for the borehole.
According to the approved scope of work, the project will involve drilling and casing a productive borehole with an estimated depth of between 100 and 150 metres.
The borehole will undergo pumping and recharge tests to determine the performance and sustainability of the water source. The tests will include a four-hour pumping exercise and a one-hour recharge observation, with additional step-testing where the development flow rate falls within the specified range.
Water quality will also be assessed through in-situ and laboratory analysis of relevant physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters to ensure compliance with required standards.
The water infrastructure will include an approximately 11.5-metre concrete stanchion and two five-cubic-metre plastic water tanks, providing a total storage capacity of 10 cubic metres.
The facility will also be fitted with lightning and thunder protection.
Reticulation works will provide two standpipes, each fitted with two taps, at approximately 200 metres from the superstructure, subject to site conditions and the choice of the community.
The project will further provide a 25-square-metre fenced compound made of 3mm galvanised wire mesh, with 5cm by 5cm openings and a height of two metres.
The fence will be supported by a three-layer breeze-block foundation and provided with a four-metre-wide main entrance.
A store and tool room will also be constructed within the compound to support the operation and maintenance of the facility.
In addition, members of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) will be trained in pump maintenance and water facility management.
The training is expected to strengthen the community’s capacity to operate and sustain the facility after its completion and handover.
The community expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention, while acknowledging the efforts of the Ekiti Government and Aluko in facilitating the project.
Residents said the project would significantly improve access to potable water and enhance the wellbeing of people in the community.
The stakeholders are expected to work together to ensure that the ECOWAS-supported project is delivered according to specification and becomes a sustainable and reliable source of water for the people of Asin Ekiti.