Ekiti State Deploys 110 Solar-Powered Pumps to Enhance Water and Sanitation Facilities

In a significant boost to infrastructure, Ekiti State Government has taken delivery of 110 solar-powered pumps and accessories, intended for installation in schools and health centres across the state.

This project aims to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for residents, particularly in underserved areas.

Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, revealed that the pumps will be installed in 55 schools and 55 health centres as part of the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) initiative. “The broader project is our SURWASH programme and part of what we have been doing in the past two years is actually to ensure access to water and sanitation in urban and rural areas,” he said.

The commissioner noted that bulk procurement of the pumps was intended to reduce costs and standardize quality and maintenance. Over the last two years, the state has rehabilitated 121 WASH facilities and constructed 64 solar-powered boreholes.

The 110 new WASH facilities will be distributed such that each local government and local council development area receives two units, with additional units allocated to some councils, including two extra for Ado LG.

Prof. Aluko also addressed the challenge of power supply for the state’s dams, explaining plans to provide dedicated power lines-through gas, solar, or small hydropower-to meet the heavy energy demands of pumping water. He said, “Electricity for residential or commercial has far power less requirements than for dams because the dam requires heavy pumps.”

Ekiti has four dams-Ero, Egbe, Ureje, and Itapaji-and a fifth federal multipurpose dam at Ogbese. The commissioner affirmed the government’s commitment to improving basic amenities and encouraged communities to take active roles in managing public facilities to ensure their sustainability.