Yendi Assembly dismisses ‘ghost boreholes’ report

The Yendi Municipal Assembly has denounced a recent report claiming that some boreholes funded by the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project were merely fictional, stating that seven out of ten boreholes have been successfully operational and delivering clean water to locals. Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Muniru Sugri communicated this to journalists, noting that three of the ten borehole sites - Kpatua, Kamshegu, and Guntingli - faced dry aquifers, rendering successful drilling impossible.

The seven operational boreholes now serve the beneficiary communities of Gundogu, Meindogu, Kpanjamba No. 1, Kpanjamba No. 2, Dagbanja, Kuni, and Kparku. Mr. Sugri pointed out that the project, originally planned to construct ten boreholes, had its resources redirected to the successful ones after the unsuccessful sites were identified.

The contractor, M. Gazaali Company Limited, was awarded the contract on October 16, 2023, with a cost of GH¢1,098,350. Additional works, including extending electricity and water pipelines to some distant borehole sites, required a cost revision and an eventual payment of GH¢1,096,580.80, leaving a balance of GH¢11,411.60. The MCE urged journalists to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing such reports and appealed for support to ensure sustainable water sources for Yendi and surrounding communities.

The SOCO Project aims to foster regional collaboration, socio-economic advancement, and climate resilience in the northern regions of Gulf of Guinea nations facing conflict and climate challenges.