Residents suffer as water scarcity hits Damaturu

Residents of Commissioners’ Quarters in Damaturu, Yobe State, have expressed frustration over a worsening water shortage in one of the capital’s key residential areas.

The problem began when the generator that powers a major public borehole in the neighborhood broke down. The borehole serves the area where senior government officials, security chiefs and political office holders live.

Community elder Malam Abdul said the residents have grown increasingly upset by the ongoing shortage.

“A lot of residents were angry and wanted to protest over the situation, but we calmed them down and promised to channel their complaints appropriately,” he said.

He added that some affluent neighbors now allow others to draw water from their private boreholes, which has helped ease the hardship.

Another resident, Malam Baba Karami, said complaints had previously been lodged with water authorities, urging them to extend the borehole’s operational hours to meet the needs of a growing population.

According to him, the aging generator had suffered frequent engine‑oil shortages and mechanical faults for years. “Sometimes, some residents volunteered to buy engine oil just to keep the generator running and avoid a total breakdown of the water supply,” he said.

In response, Hussaini Adamu, Director of Technical Services at the Yobe State Water Board Corporation, acknowledged that the agency is facing many challenges, including limited resources for operations.

“The corporation manages more than 100 boreholes in Damaturu and neighbouring communities,” he said, noting that maintaining the facilities with limited resources has remained difficult.

Regarding the DA 48 borehole that supplies water to the affected area, he disclosed that a block engine and crankshaft had already been procured for the generator’s overhaul. He added that other required components, including bearings and pistons, are available locally and will soon be installed.