News
Zulum Launches Strategic Water Intervention Projects Across Maiduguri Metropolis
Zulum Launches Strategic Water Intervention Projects Across Maiduguri Metropolis
…Drilled 25 New Boreholes in Mafoni, Others
…Residents Laud Zulum’s Intervention
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched an aggressive and coordinated response to address the acute water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri metropolis and its environs, following the devastating flood disaster of 10 September 2024.
The flood, described as unprecedented in scale, caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including critical water supply points.
This disruption significantly hampered the flow of water from Alau Dam, particularly affecting Maiduguri city centre and surrounding areas.
In response to 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.”
Zulum Launches Strategic Water Intervention Projects Across Maiduguri Metropolis
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have ambushed operatives of the C-Watch security outfit in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing eight persons and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The incident happened late Friday night when gunmen invaded a village near Dandume around midnight.
Residents said C-Watch operatives responded to a distress call and rescued eight villagers who had earlier sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
However, on their way back, the operatives reportedly ran into an ambush by the bandits, who opened fire on them, killing the rescued victims and burning two patrol vehicles belonging to the security outfit.
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated scores bandits in ongoing clearance operations in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola learnt that the operations, which began on Friday, targeted multiple bandit hideouts in the area.
The sources said the troops, supported by other security components, engaged the criminals in sustained firepower, leading to the neutralisation of an undisclosed number of them.
“The operations are still ongoing, with troops pursuing fleeing bandits into the forest corridors,” one of the sources said.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement as at press time.
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, to condole with families of the 63 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
The victims comprise 5 soldiers and about 58 civilians that were earlier displaced by the insurgents but have been resettled in Darajamal for two months now.
Zulum, visibly moved by the incident, met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families. He expressed grief and condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
Speaking to newsmen, the governor said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad. This community was settled a few months ago and they go about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.”
On the casualties, the Governor said, “at this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and 5 soldiers lost their lives.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He said, “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere, so far so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.”
Also, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, has condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
He expressed his commitment to supporting Governor Babagana Umara Zulum through legislative backing to restore peace in Borno State.
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
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