The Ekiti State Government has approved N1.68 billion for the upgrading and rehabilitation of 104 boreholes across the state’s 16 local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in a move to improve access to safe and reliable water supply.

The project, approved at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is expected to be completed within four weeks.

The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement after the meeting, explaining that the intervention was being implemented under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

According to him, the 104 boreholes would be upgraded and converted into solar-powered, reticulated water facilities to ensure a more sustainable supply of potable water, particularly in rural and small-town communities.

Olatunbosun explained that the boreholes were selected in line with the established World Bank/SURWASH criteria, while the procurement process was conducted through open competitive bidding to ensure transparency and compliance with relevant regulations.

He said tender notices were published in two national newspapers on June 24, attracting 167 bids for the 52 lots into which the 104 borehole facilities were grouped.Following technical and financial evaluations, 52 contractors were selected, with each awarded a lot comprising two borehole facilities.

Reserve bidders were also identified for the respective lots in accordance with procurement procedures.

The commissioner said the project was part of the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to strengthening water supply infrastructure and expanding access to safe drinking water across the state.

He added that the intervention would improve the quality, coverage and reliability of water, sanitation and hygiene services while strengthening water infrastructure in rural and small-town communities.