By Peter Omopo
The Ekiti State Government has received 110 solar-powered pumps and accompanying equipment for the construction of new water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities across the state, in a major step toward improving basic infrastructure and public health.
Speaking during the delivery of the items in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, said the facilities would be installed in 55 schools and 55 health centres. He noted that the initiative is part of the state’s commitment to expanding access to potable water and proper sanitation in both urban and rural areas.
The project is being implemented under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at increasing WASH services in underserved communities.
According to Aluko, bulk procurement of the pumps was adopted to reduce costs and ensure uniformity in quality and maintenance.
“The broader project is our SURWASH programme. Over the past two years, we’ve prioritized improving access to water and sanitation. So far, 121 WASH facilities have been rehabilitated and 64 solar-powered boreholes constructed,” he said.
The commissioner added that the new installations would further consolidate the state’s efforts in delivering safe water and hygiene services, particularly to vulnerable populations in schools and healthcare centres.
