SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC BOREHOLES IN SOUTHERN PART OF DAMATURU, YOBE STATE

ABSTRACT Access to clean and reliable water supply remains a significant developmental priority, particularly in semi-arid regions of northern Nigeria where dependence on groundwater is high. In Damaturu South, Yobe State, public boreholes constitute a major source of potable water; however, their spatial distribution, accessibility, and adequacy have not been comprehensively documented. This study applied geospatial techniques, integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to assess the spatial pattern of public boreholes, examine their accessibility within a 500-meter service radius, and analyze their attribute characteristics including depth, functionality, and pump capacity. Primary data were collected using handheld GPS to capture borehole coordinates and oral interviews for attribute information, while secondary spatial data such as administrative boundaries, settlements, and road networks were obtained from OSGOF and Google Earth Pro. The acquired data were processed in ArcGIS 10.8 through projection, editing, spatial analysis, buffer generation, and attribute queries. A total of 50 boreholes were mapped, revealing uneven distribution with high clustering in densely populated areas such as Nayinawa, Potiskum Road, and Maisandari/Waziri Ibrahim, while peripheral settlements remained underserved. Buffer analysis showed that central areas fall within multiple accessibility zones, whereas southern and eastern parts of the study area lack adequate coverage. Attribute queries indicated that 33 boreholes were less than 100 m deep, 47 were functional, and only 6 possessed pump capacities above 4 liters per stroke. These findings highlight disparities in resource allocation and the need for targeted interventions. The study recommends prioritizing new borehole development in underserved areas, upgrading low-capacity pumps, rehabilitating the few non-functional boreholes, and adopting GIS-based monitoring systems for sustainable water management in Damaturu South.