The Niger State Government has announced the receipt of $25,000 in assistance from South Korea for the rehabilitation of three bi-water schemes and the installation of solar-powered boreholes in the state.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, revealed this information while announcing the commencement of the second phase of the state urban policy in Minna.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the financial assistance for this initiative was provided by UN-Habitat to facilitate the implementation of the state urban policy.
Usman explained that the funds were allocated for the restoration of three bi-water schemes in Beji, Tungan Mallam, and Kataergi towns, as well as the installation of a solar-powered borehole and a 7.5KVA solar inverter at Kuta General Hospital.
“UN-Habitat in 2022 provided financial support of $50,000 to the state to implement two demonstration projects in different parts of the state. It has provided $25,000 to implement another two demonstration projects.
“The second phase is designed to improve water supply and encourage hygiene practices in towns,” the SSG said.
He encouraged communities benefiting from the projects to collaborate closely with the implementing agencies, emphasizing the importance of a cooperative effort for smooth implementation and long-term sustainability.
Remy Sietchiping, the Chief of Policy Legislation and Governance Section at UN-Habitat, expressed the organization’s dedication to aiding Niger in establishing resilient smart cities with sufficient water supply to meet the needs of the expanding population.