By Rakiya A. Muhammad
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto has described the ongoing 40 million gallons daily water project as a major step forward by the Governor Ahmad Aliyu-led government in solving the water scarcity challenges it inherited.
The 40 million gallons daily water project is one of the state government’s two major initiatives to address water shortages in Sokoto.
The second project involves revitalising 19 key boreholes in metropolitan local government areas such as Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Kware, and Dange/Shuni.
“Initially started during the administration of Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but abandoned by the previous government, Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration has revived and accelerated the 40 million gallons daily water project’s completion,” noted APC Sokoto State Chairman Isa Achida.
“This ambitious initiative will provide reliable access to clean water, improving public health and overall quality of life, as well as meeting the growing needs of Sokoto’s expanding population.”
He added: “The 40 million gallons daily water project and the borehole renovation project are testaments to the state government’s dedication to improving public health and enhancing the quality of life for Sokoto’s citizens.”
The Chairman also noted the strides made in the education sector, including the construction of over 170 blocks of classrooms and toilet facilities across various basic schools, and renovation of 79 dilapidated school structures.
“As a result of these initiatives, school enrolment has increased significantly. Since 2023, over 800,000 children have been enrolled, which has drastically increased girls’ enrolment in primary schools, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting gender equality in education.”
As part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery, Achida also noted the recruitment of 800 nurses and midwives across various health facilities in the state to address workforce shortages in hospitals and clinics.
He also applauded the state government’s efforts to procure 250 tractors with implements to boost mechanised farming in the state and the gesture to 53,000 farmers who were supported with the requisite tools for various farming activities.
“It is gratifying to note that the partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the World Bank has facilitated the establishment of a 40-kilometre shelter belt to ward off desertification and land degradation,” he added.
“As part of these arrangements, 23 solar boreholes have been built to water the shelter belt as well as provide a source of potable water to the surroudding inhabitants.”
