Challenges Facing the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) in the Water Sector: The Niger State Example, Central Nigeria

In an effort to realize tangible sustained improvements in the quality of life and living conditions of the Nigerian Populace, the Federal Government delegated responsibility for the implementation of various projects in the health, education and water sectors to the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (OSSAP – MDG’S). Main objectives of the water projects is the provision of water through motorized/solar powered boreholes complete with generator and operating rooms as well as hand pump boreholes. Mode of operations of the MDG’s involves the appointment of consultants to oversee the entire projects in the various states of the federation. Contracts are then awarded to contractors, based on open bids, in lots and each contractor given a specified period to complete the project. A careful study of the programme showed that at best 50 – 60% success rate was achieved in some areas and less than 30% in some others. The main challenges mitigating against the attainment of higher success rates lies on the failure of contractors to provide adequate drilling machines and accessories to suit the local geology of the area, improper geophysical surveys and lack of experienced hydrogeologists/geologists to supervise operations. It is recommended that prospective contractors must be licensed, and water well drilling consultants must also have met the stipulated requirements. Borehole designs must also meet the approved standard, parameters for chemical and biological analysis must also be clearly stated.