Senator Mustapha’s Borehole Project Not Diverted – Sobi Community Clarifies

The leadership and residents of Zul-Qarnain Street, Sobi, have dismissed claims that a motorised borehole facilitated for the community by the Senator representing Kwara Central, Senator Saliu Mustapha, was diverted to the private residence of one of his aides.

The community, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Mayaki, described the allegation as misleading, insisting that the borehole remains a community project and is accessible to residents.

According to the community, the project was facilitated following a request for intervention to address the water challenges confronting residents of the area.

It explained that a hydrogeological survey was conducted before drilling commenced to identify locations with sufficient underground water, noting that the initial location proposed by residents was found unsuitable due to inadequate water yield.

The statement said the survey identified only two suitable points within the immediate area, both of which were located on private premises.

“Following the survey, only two points within the immediate area were found to have sufficient underground water. Unfortunately, both locations fell within private premises,” the community said.

It added that residents subsequently approached the owner of one of the properties, who is an aide to Senator Mustapha, and after consultations and appeals by community members, he agreed to allow the borehole to be installed on the premises for the benefit of residents.

The community further clarified that although the main borehole and water tank are situated within the premises, the public fetching point is located outside the property and remains freely accessible to members of the community.

“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 expressed concern that images circulating online allegedly showed only the borehole installation within the private premises without showing the public fetching point where residents collect water.

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

The community invited anyone interested in verifying the circumstances surrounding the project to visit Zul-Qarnain Street, Sobi, to inspect the facility and observe how residents access the water.

It also appealed to political actors and members of the public not to allow political differences to distort the facts surrounding a project intended to address the community’s water needs.

“We consider it unfortunate that our community and a project meant to alleviate our water challenges are being dragged into political controversy,” the statement added.

The residents consequently urged members of the public to disregard claims that the borehole was diverted for private use.

They also expressed appreciation to Senator Saliu Mustapha for responding to the community’s water needs, urging him to continue facilitating developmental projects across Kwara Central.