Field survey was used to collect data on the year of construction of boreholes, estimated
population of users, donor agency, type of pump fitted and where non-functioning, the year of
failure and cause(s) of failure from at least five (5) communities in each of the four local
governments in Akoko Area, Ondo State Nigeria. Also, oral interview was conducted to extract
information on the communities’ involvement in the ownership and management of boreholes,
methods adopted, challenges and prospects. Results showed that all the 110 boreholes assessed
were constructed between 1995 and 2014 with 51 (about 46 %) constructed between 2005 and
2009 with an average user population of 500 people. 53 boreholes were fitted with manual
pumps, out of which 30 of them (about 57 %) were already non-functioning, while 57 were
solar-powered/motorized boreholes out of which 28 (about 49 %) were also non-functioning.
Majority of the boreholes were found to have failed between 5 and 10 years with various
reasons adduced for the failure. Although about 10 % of the respondents said their communities
were involved in boreholes ownership, the arrangement was not sustained owing to some
stated reasons. Thus, the study recommended amongst others, creation of water and sanitation
unit in a relevant department of all local governments to attend to borehole and other related
matters in the state, formulation and implementation of appropriate policy framework for the
involvement of communities in borehole management in the area, for sustainable water supply.