Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the State Ministry of Water Resources to supply free diesel to private boreholes in Damaturu and its environs on a weekly basis.
This move aims to boost water supply in the state capital and surrounding areas.
According to a press statement signed by Yusuf Ali, the Governor’s SSA on Communication and Strategy, the General Manager of the State Water Corporation, Engr. Mahdi Zarma, explained that the initiative seeks to reduce the cost of water for the general public.
Despite the recent increase in diesel supply from 40,000 liters to 60,000 liters and later to over 100 government boreholes, some densely populated areas still face challenges accessing water at a subsidized rate from water vendors.
To address this, the government is providing 10 liters of diesel each to selected private boreholes in Damaturu, which will enable them to reduce the cost of water for residents.
Currently, borehole operators charge N300 per truck, forcing water vendors to sell at around N1,000 per truck, depending on the location. With this development, the government hopes that water vendors will reduce the cost for the general public.
Private borehole operators, such as Adamu Abubakar, and residents like Babagana Ali from the Nasarawa community, have expressed gratitude to the government for alleviating the suffering of the people during the hot season.
According to Engr. Zarma, over 100 private borehole operators will benefit from the free diesel supply to boost water supply in Damaturu and its environs.”