A community solar powered borehole, scheduled for commissioning by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, has collapsed. The borehole, constructed by the Chairman of Yala Council of the state, Fabian Ogbeche, was supposed to be commissioned by Esu on April 22, who is on project commissioning across the 18 councils of the state.
 
However, the solar borehole collapsed before the deputy governor could reach Yala council’s headquarters for the commissioning. A source, who is a native of Yala, Daniel Riwo, said though no human casualty was recorded, it is appalling that a project, worth millions of naira, could not be awarded to competent hands.
 
Riwo lauded the chairman for the idea and political will, but decried poor handling of the job. He said: “We can’t totally blame the council leadership. At least, they decided to execute this water project, but we question why they will hand over millions of our money to a contractor to carry out a poor job without supervising or overseeing it is a quality job.
 
“Imagine the tragedy that would have occurred if the borehole was in use when it collapsed.” Unfortunately, the council chairman could not be reached on phone at press time for his reaction to the incident.