By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District at the National assembly, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has commissioned 40 solar-powered boreholes across seven local government areas of Alkaleri, Kirfi, Bauchi, Toro, Dass, Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony yesterday, the Senator reaffirmed his commitment to delivering essential services to his constituents, stressing that access to clean water is a basic necessity and a foundation for healthy and productive communities.
According to him, the boreholes are part of his constituency projects, conceived from direct engagement with the people during his electioneering campaign when he visited 72 out of the 75 wards in this constituency.
“Everywhere we went, people complained about the lack of potable water. I promised them that if elected, I would do something about it, and today, we are fulfilling that promise.” The senator said.
He added that while the 40 boreholes were executed under his constituency projects, he had also personally funded the construction, rehabilitation and repair of several boreholes across Bauchi State.
The solar-powered design, he noted, was deliberately chosen to ensure sustainability, reduce running costs and guarantee water supply even in off-grid rural communities.
Senator Shehu said, the move is aimed at addressing decades of lack of access to clean and reliable water within the Bauchi South senatorial district, stressing that, accessing clean and reliable water has remained one of the most pressing challenges confronting rural and semi-urban communities across Bauchi South Senatorial District.
While speaking at the commissioning event, Senator Shehu Buba Umar said beyond water supply, his agenda spans healthcare delivery, education, rural electrification and other people-oriented projects designed to directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
The 40 boreholes are spread strategically across the district’s seven local government areas. Bauchi Local Government Area received 15 boreholes, reflecting its dense population, while Toro Local Government Area got seven, Alkaleri, Kirfi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas received four boreholes each.
Dass and Bogoro local government areas benefited from three boreholes each.
A resident of Tirwun community, Malam Aminu Ado recalled years of hardship without running water, saying they have spent many years without seeing a single drop of water from a tap, until the intervention of the senator.
Also, another resident said the new boreholes would improve hygiene, boost small businesses and reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.
Community leader,
Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Danmaliki, Danmalikin Bauchi, described the boreholes as a turning point for the people, saying it will significantly improve the quality of life of the citizens.
Our Correspondent gathered that in many areas, residents rose before dawn to trek long distances in search of water that was often unsafe for drinking or cooking.
