The Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) intends to rolled out a pilot study in six states so as to deliver portable water under its new program, the National Borehole Rejuvenation and Revitalization Programme (Na-BORE).
In a statement at the maiden conference in Abuja over the weekend, Mr. Michael Ale, the National President of AWDROP, said the initiative would be rolled out across the 36 states and the FCT to raise revenue through borehole drilling.
“Proceeds would be used to rehabilitate all abandoned government water projects and create employment for youth,” he said.
The states identified for the pilot phase include Benue, Osun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Oyo where the initiative would help to build capacity for young people so they could generate employment in the sector.
It will also help for independent monitoring and supervision of government borehole projects, Ale added.
He enjoined the federal government to patronise only accredited members of the association with good experience in abstraction of underground water to stem the spate of borehole project failures.
In yet another move to improve health and sanitation practices, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s only total alcohol beverage company in conjunction with WaterAid Nigeria plans to construct two solar- powered water and sanitation facilities in Gwam, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
The Guinness Nigeria/WaterAid Gwam water plant, which was formally launched at a colourful ceremony, is one of two major water projects which the brewing company has delivered this year in partnership with its international Non-Governmental Organization partners, and the 34th site for the Guinness Nigeria, Water of Life initiative in Nigeria.
The Gwam water scheme – which is comprised of two solar-powered boreholes and two blocks of toilets is set to benefit about 20,000 people.