Provide Locations Of Your Borehole Project, Osun OCSC Challenges Adeleke
THE 332 borehole project which is a major achievement of Governor Ademola Adeleke in his first anniversary has not ceased to general reactions from members of the public.
Controversies have continued to trail the borehole project ever since it was announced as one of the 100-day achievements of the Governor.
Governor Adeleke had declared that he sunk a borehole in each of the 332 wards across the state.
But some members of the public, including opposition parties and Non-governmental organisations have expressed doubt over the project, describing it as a fraudulent.
To lay the matter to rest, the Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) has asked Adeleke to provide the location of the boreholes in each of the 332 wards.
According to the OCSC, providing the specific location of each of the boreholes will enhance transparency and build public confidence in the current administration.
The OCSC, in a letter signed by its Chairman, Com. Waheed Lawal and Secretary, Emmanuel Olowu, tasked Adeleke to be more transparent in governance.
Findings revealed that the letter which was dated November 1, 2023 was received at the Governor’s Office on same date.
But the state government was yet to make the location of the boreholes public as demanded by the OCSC.
The letter reads in part: “You will recall that you celebrated 100 days of your administration with a borehole project reportedly sunk in each of the 332 wards in Osun State. You equally announced that each of the boreholes cost a sum of N1,500,000 during your public engagement progamme tagged Ipade Imole in October.
“In the wake of your plan to kickstart the second face of the borehole project as announced during the launch of the N100 billion infrastructure plan, it has become expedient as the eyes and ears of the public to say that majority of the residents of the state are very skeptical on the borehole project.
“This is because the process and implementation of the first phase of the project are not known to the public. May we also state that the civil society groups in Osun are also unable to track the project.
“Going forward; we humbly request that you make public the specific location where the boreholes are located in each of the 332 wards. This will enhance transparency and build public confidence in your administration.
“Mr Governor, it is important to know the exact location of these boreholes; a section of the society already holds the impression that they do not exist, while some others believe that the project is a mere conduit pipe.
“While we await your response to this, by providing the exact location of the boreholes through any medium convenient for the government, we want to advise Mr Governor to be more transparent in governance.”
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
