By Abdul Kareem

Taking another deliberate step towards tackling the critical issue of water scarcity in Borno, the state governor, Babagana Zulum has in Sunday inaugurated the Azare mega water project in Hawul Local Government Area, ushering in a new era of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for the local community.

The Azare Water Works stands as one of the eight large-scale water schemes launched under Governor Zulum’s administration to quench the thirst of Azare town and its neighbouring settlements.

This initiative comes as a response to the protracted water shortages that have long plagued the region.

Governor feeling the freshness of the water after commissioning the Azare Mega Water Project

On the auspicious day of March 17, 2024, Governor Zulum, amidst the optimistic crowd, expressed his joy at the commissioning ceremony.

The project boasts impressive facilities, including a reservoir with a capacity of 565,000 liters, a 400,000-litre corrugated surface tank, and an additional 165,000-litre overhead tank perched atop a 12-meter high steel stanchion.

Embracing green technology, the waterworks is energized by a 22,000kv solar power system and is further enhanced with 10Hp booster pumps. Its 5km distribution network, equipped with various types of taps, ensures that clean water reaches every corner of the community.

Moreover, the site hosts over six deep solar-powered boreholes, each plunging 100 meters into the earth, collectively contributing an impressive discharge of more than 10 liters per second.

The Commissioner of Water Resources, Engineer Tijjani Alkali, underscored the administration’s commitment to providing safe drinking water, noting the construction of additional boreholes and the rehabilitation of hand pumps in the area.

“By completing the Azare mega water projects, we are not only ensuring a reliable potable water supply to the people of Hawul but also aiming to significantly reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases,” he said.

With the completion of similar projects in Ngarannam, Moramti, Pulka, Chibok, and Azare, and ongoing efforts in Madinatu, Shokwari, and Musari, hope springs eternal for the people of Borno as they witness tangible strides towards securing a healthier, more sustainable future in line with the SDG goal 6.