The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has spent over N125.7 million to drill eight boreholes in eight communities in Kebbi State, IgbereTV reports.
The costs of the contracts, which appeared to be inflated saw the ministry spending between N18.213 and N11.611 million on a single borehole.
The Works and Housing Ministry in an FOI response signed by Mr. Ode Martins, the Director Planning Research and Strategy, obtained by MAWA Foundation, claims to have paid N18,213,000.00 to construct a single borehole at the Goru Fulani Settlement located at the Benin Kebbi Local Government of Kebbi State.
The ministry in a meeting held on November 30, 2020, attended by Mr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary and other Directors, endorsed Messrs. Alliance Trading Company Limited, to undertake the construction and hence awarded one of the contract to her.
Mr. Wilfred Ezekama, who owns a hydrology firm, speaking to the Foundation, said drilling a borehole in Kebbi does not cost beyond N7 million.
He, however, added that the amount should cover drilling and casing, installation of a solar-powered submersible pump, steel tower for the tanks, tanks, pipes, joints, and suckers, installation, and labour.
It is not however clear, the factors considered by the Ministry of Works and Housing in arriving at the contract price.
