Water security: Gov Namadi launches N2.3bn solar-powered borehole projects in Jigawa
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has officially launched the drilling of 47 solar-powered boreholes across three local government areas – Birnin Kudu, Gumel, and Hadejia – as part of the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
The initiative, which includes the provision of additional water storage and distribution infrastructure, is aimed at enhancing access to safe drinking water for over 100,000 residents.
Speaking at the launch event, Governor Namadi emphasized that the solar-powered boreholes are part of a broader effort to address water scarcity, particularly in areas affected by land degradation and climate change.
“The establishment of these mega solar-powered water schemes will provide access to safe drinking water, and contribute to improving water resource management, a key objective of the ACReSAL Project,” he said.
The Governor noted that the climate crisis, including droughts and floods, has worsened water scarcity, especially in semi-arid regions like Jigawa.
This has made sustainable water management an urgent priority for the state. “Water is life, and clean water means health. Even with Jigawa State’s access to clean drinking water at around 90%, we are committed to achieving universal access, as clean water is fundamental to public health, economic development, and community resilience,” he added.
The 47 solar-powered boreholes will be distributed across three strategic locations.
Birnin Kudu Local Government will receive 17 boreholes in Masaya village, Gumel Local Government will have 15 boreholes at the Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, and Hadejia Local Government will receive 15 boreholes at the Hadejia Specialist Hospital along Nguru Road.
Together, the projects will have a combined capacity to produce nearly 10,000 cubic liters of water per day.
Additional infrastructure will include a 878-cubic-meter Braithwaite surface tank in Masaya and a 200-cubic-meter overhead tank at each of the other two locations in Gumel and Hadejia.
The projects will also include the construction of fully equipped office blocks, stores, control rooms, and solar-powered security lighting within fenced areas at each site.
The total cost of the projects is approximately N2.3 billion, with the Birnin Kudu and Gumel projects being executed by Zhonghoa Overseas Construction Engineering Company at N815.9 million and N745.3 million, respectively.
The Hadejia project will be executed by Ragaya & Sons Nigeria Limited at an estimated cost of N736 million.
Governor Namadi called on the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the projects in line with the agreed specifications and standards.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging the ACReSAL Project to bring sustainable solutions to water access challenges in Jigawa State.
