Ekiti State government has approved N1,681,198,360.20 for the upgrading and rehabilitation of 104 high-yielding boreholes across the 16 local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.
The approval, given at the state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is part of the state government’s efforts to expand access to sustainable and reliable potable water supply, particularly in rural and small-town communities.
Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, who disclosed this in a statement after the meeting, said the intervention was being implemented under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.
According to him, the 104 boreholes will be upgraded and converted into reticulated, solar-powered water facilities, thereby providing more sustainable water infrastructure for communities in the state.
Olatunbosun said the initiative was in line with the objectives of the SURWASH programme and the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to strengthening water supply infrastructure and improving access to safe and potable water for residents.
He explained that the 104 boreholes were selected in accordance with the stipulated World Bank/SURWASH criteria, while the procurement process was conducted through open competitive bidding to ensure transparency and compliance with applicable procurement procedures.
He noted that, following the publication of tender notices in two national newspapers on June 24, a total of 167 bids were received for the 52 lots into which the 104 borehole facilities were grouped.
The commissioner added that a technical and financial evaluation of the bids was subsequently carried out, leading to the selection of 52 successful contractors, with each contractor awarded a lot comprising two borehole facilities.
He further disclosed that reserve bidders were also identified for the respective lots in accordance with the applicable procurement procedures.
Olatunbosun said the projects were expected to be completed within four weeks, stressing that the relatively short completion period reflected the administration’s determination to rapidly expand access to sustainable potable water across the state.
He said the intervention would also strengthen rural and small-town water infrastructure while improving the quality, coverage and reliability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Ekiti State.
