Saliu Mustapha’s borehole serves entire community, not aide’s residence

Residents and leaders of Zul-Qarnain Street, Sobi, Ilorin, have dismissed claims that a motorised borehole facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha was diverted to the private residence of one of his aides, insisting that the project was provided for and continues to serve the entire community.

The community said the borehole was requested to address its water needs and remains accessible to residents through a public fetching point located outside the private premises where the main borehole infrastructure is situated.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Zul-Qarnain Street, Alhaji Bashir Mayaki, the community explained that the location of the project was determined after a hydrogeological survey was conducted to establish areas with sufficient underground water.

It said the location originally proposed by the community was found unsuitable because it could not produce enough water to adequately serve residents.

According to the community, only two locations within the immediate area were found to have sufficient underground water, but both were situated within private premises.

The residents said they subsequently approached the owner of one of the properties, who happens to be an aide to Senator Mustapha, and, following consultations and appeals from community members, secured his consent to accommodate the borehole for the benefit of the wider community.

The community stressed that the fact that the main borehole and stand are located within the private premises does not make the project a private facility.

“The borehole belongs to the community. The public fetching point is under the control of the community and has remained available to residents since the project became operational,” the statement said.

The residents also said the public fetching point is located outside the property, close to the project signboard, and is freely accessible to members of the community.

They expressed surprise that those making the diversion claims had shown only the borehole infrastructure located inside the premises without showing the public fetching point through which residents obtain water.

According to them, presenting only one part of the facility could create a misleading impression that the project had been converted to private use.

The community therefore invited anyone interested in establishing the facts to visit Zul-Qarnain Street to inspect the facility, its public fetching point and how residents access the water.

It said the borehole was conceived as a community intervention following its request for assistance with its water challenges and that the project continues to serve that purpose.

The residents described the controversy as unfortunate, saying a project intended to alleviate their water problems should not be dragged into political disagreements.

“Whatever political differences may exist should not be allowed to distort the circumstances surrounding a project from which our people are benefiting,” the statement said.

The community urged members of the public to disregard the claim that the borehole had been diverted for private use.

It also expressed appreciation to Senator Mustapha for responding to the community’s water needs and urged him to continue facilitating developmental projects for residents across Kwara Central.