Communities in the Misau local government area of Bauchi state have praised WaterAid Nigeria and its partners for constructing solar-powered boreholes and sanitation facilities. Funded by DP World, the project aims to enhance public health in Bauchi State through sustainable, climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions.
Over 15,000 Lives Impacted
According to the Daily Independent, this WaterAid Nigeria initiative, supported by DP World, is set to enhance public health across Bauchi State through new WASH solutions. The project targets over 15,000 people, with a focus on women and girls who often travel long distances for these essential services.
The project scope includes constructing three solar-powered boreholes and one sanitation facility in public areas within selected communities. To ensure sustainability, local artisans will be trained to maintain the water facilities, and community WASH committees will receive capacity-building support to ensure the boreholes are operated, maintained, and managed effectively.
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Communities Welcome the Solar Water Initiative
Community members expressed their appreciation during the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Increasing Access to Sustainable Climate-Resilient WASH for Women Project” in Bauchi.
Garba Iliyasu, the District Head of Hardawa Community in Misau, said the new solar-powered water schemes and sanitation facilities will alleviate the hardship people face in accessing water for their basic needs.
He remarked, “Today marks a joyous occasion for us as we have eagerly awaited this type of intervention. Water is indispensable for human existence, and its scarcity can lead to significant hardships. This project will bring positive changes to the lives of people in these communities, as they currently endure considerable challenges in obtaining water.”
Zainab Umar and Umar Isma’il, residents of the Rugar Jeji community, shared that they often trek long distances to reach the river for water, which frequently dries up.
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They explained, “We encounter numerous obstacles in accessing water, as there are only three wells in our community. We have to retrieve water during the night when the water level rises. The construction of this water project brings us joy as it will alleviate our struggles in obtaining water.”
Focus on Women and Girls
At the foundation-laying ceremony, Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, highlighted the significant challenges millions of women and girls face traveling long distances daily to collect water.
Represented by Mr. Nanpet Chuktu from WaterAid’s WASH Unit, the Country Director thanked DP World for its support, emphasizing that it will help transform the lives of women and girls in Bauchi State. The project also aims to economically empower women and involve them in community WASH decision-making.
She outlined the project’s objectives, stating, “Over the next three years, our goal is to provide approximately 15,000 individuals with access to basic water supply services, deliver hygiene behavior change interventions to 4,000 people, and provide basic sanitation services to 1,000 individuals.”
Expanding Solar Water Access Across Nigeria
In a separate announcement, Fordmarx Nigeria Ltd. said it would donate 37 solar-powered water boreholes to every state in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure access to clean water across Nigeria.
Oforbuike Clifford Nnaji, the Managing Director/CEO of Fordmarx Nigeria Ltd, described his company’s proactive approach to water scarcity. He noted they have already installed solar-powered boreholes and irrigation systems to aid farming and improve health and economic conditions in various communities, especially in Enugu State.
Additionally, the organization has successfully revitalized the 9th Mile water supply scheme in Enugu by restoring eight of 13 abandoned water boreholes that had been inactive for over 35 years. “Our strategy includes empowering at least 370 trained engineers and technicians in the industry, spanning across states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” Nnaji announced.
The CEO’s vision goes beyond providing water; he aims to foster job creation, envisioning that solar-powered irrigation infrastructure alone could generate over 50 million jobs nationwide within a year.
As these projects progress and deliver tangible results, they serve as models for sustainable development and collaborative efforts to tackle pressing challenges with solar power in Nigeria and beyond.
