The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State as commenced the rehabilitation of 121 boreholes across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State using locally trained, artisans in advanced hand pump repair operating on a payment basis also known as Local Area Mechanics (LAMs).

 

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the development followed the State Executive Council’s approval of a sum of N159,542,787.33 for the immediate rehabilitation of the boreholes through Direct Labour under the supervision of the State Small Towns, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EKSTRUWASSA).

 

 

According to him, the project which is expected to be completed within two weeks, is being executed under the Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (SURWASH), a World Bank supported Performance for Result Financing (P for R) programme.

 

 

The Government spokesman advised the Area Mechanics not to misuse the opportunity provided for them to prove their mettle, emphasizing the importance of justifying the confidence reposed in them by doing a thorough job to show they are capable of handling similar jobs without recourse to professionals from outside the State.

 

 

Soliciting the continued support of stakeholders for Government’s efforts to make life more meaningful for residents, Olatunbosun also stressed the need for members of benefiting communities to take ownership of the projects to protect the pumps from preventable destruction and vandalism as well as ensure sustainability.