BY PETER DURU
MAKURDI-The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has so far sunk about 100 boreholes and donated drugs, VIP toilets, learning and teaching aids to rural communities in Gwer West, Ushongo and Oju local government councils of Benue State.

According to findings during an assessment tour of the three pilot local government areas, led by UNICEF Media Desk Officer for Benue State, Mrs. Nancy Orshi, 89 boreholes were sunk across seven communities in Ushongo Local Government Area while about 10 others were provided in Oju Local Government Area.

However, in Gwer West Local Government Area, most of the VIP toilets that were built by UNICEF to check open defecation by the natives are now in bad shape due to dilapidation.

It was also discovered that Ushongo Local Government Area allegedly benefited from UNICEF’s gesture in the area of health, education (Early Child Care Centre), water, hygiene and sanitation, even as there was nothing on the ground to show UNICEF’s presence in Gwer West and Oju.

In Gwer West, the world body facilitated the drilling of boreholes most of which failed to yield water hence requiring the construction of mini dams.

Vanguard findings also showed that most facilities such as vehicles, toilets among others that were provided the areas decades ago are now in a state of disrepair while children were seen sitting on the bare floor at the Early Child Care Centers in Gwer West and Oju local government areas.