The Borno government has set aside N8.4 billion for rural and urban water projects in the 2025 fiscal year.

Governor Babagana Zulum said this on Monday in Maiduguri while presenting the 2025 proposed appropriation bill, tagged ‘Budget of Recovery and Continuity’.

He said the government planned to construct a second-phase water treatment plant at Benisheikh, upgrade existing facilities and drill additional boreholes equipped with solar power systems.

The governor said the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) would construct seven waterworks and repair damaged pipelines in flood-affected communities.

“Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and we are committed to improving water supply across the state,” he said.

Mr Zulum said the government also allocated N8.4 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture, to enhance farmer support services and boost food security.

The fund, he said, would facilitate procurement of 100,000 bags of fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural chemicals for distribution at subsidised rate, adding that the government would expand the irrigation programme, targeting high-value crops such as wheat and maize.

He said that efforts would be made to complete the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) project and rehabilitate grain reserves to ensure food availability during emergencies.

Mr Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to support agriculture, describing it as “the backbone of our recovery efforts and a critical part of our self-reliance strategy.”

The governor said that N10 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Environment to address environmental challenges, including desertification, flooding and waste management.

“The project includes planting of two million trees to combat desert encroachment and developing flood control systems in flood-prone areas like Marte and Dikwa.

“Waste management initiatives will also be expanded with new recycling centres to be establish in Maiduguri and other major towns,” he said.

According to him, these initiatives are critical to mitigate the effect of climate change and build a more sustainable future for the state. 

(NAN)