ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC BOREHOLES IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The increasing dependence on groundwater for domestic water supply in rapidly urbanizing cities has
heightened the need for equitable and sustainable distribution of public borehole infrastructure. This study
assessed the spatial distribution of public boreholes in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, with the aim of evaluating
their distribution pattern, accessibility, and governance to support evidence-based urban water planning. A
census survey of all 71 public boreholes distributed across 27 administrative wards was undertaken using
handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, field observations, and institutional records obtained
from the Sokoto State Water Board. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, including Average
Nearest Neighbour (ANN) and buffer analyses, were employed alongside descriptive statistics to evaluate
spatial distribution, accessibility, and management characteristics. The results revealed pronounced spatial
inequalities in borehole allocation, with Arkilla Ward accounting for 35.2% (25 boreholes) of the total
infrastructure, while 10 wards had no public boreholes despite supporting substantial populations. The ANN
analysis produced a Nearest Neighbour Ratio of 0.856864 (Z = –2.258050; p = 0.023943), indicating a
statistically significant clustered distribution. Buffer analysis further identified extensive accessibility gaps,
particularly within densely populated and peripheral communities. The study concludes that sustainable urban
water security in Sokoto Metropolis requires GIS-based groundwater planning and equitable infrastructure
allocation, to enhance groundwater sustainability and support the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goal 6 and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles.