By Ahmed Ahmed
The WaterAid Nigeria is set to provide clean water and toilets for over 15,000 residents of Bauchi State.
The non-governmental organisation with support from DP World laid a foundation for the construction of solar powered water sanitation facilities in Rugar Jeji Community of Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, on Tuesday.
The project would provide solar-powered water schemes, toilets, and help economically empower women by engaging them as kiosk managers for water schemes and as active decision-makers in community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) structures.
The interventions include training of artisans on the maintenance of water facilities and capacity building of WASH committees in the communities to support the operation, maintenance and management of the boreholes.
The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, said the project aimed at improving public health outcomes in the state through sustainable climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
“Millions of women and girls are faced each day with the burden of traveling miles to collect water. Sadly, with the increasing impact of climate change on water, they are faced with a greater workload.
The Country Director, represented by Mr Nanpet Chuktu, head of WASH WaterAid, said the project seeks to empower women economically and to be part of WASH decision-making processes in their communities as well.
“In the next 3 years, we intend to reach an estimated 15,000 people with access to basic water supply services, 4,000 with hygiene behavior change interventions and 1,000 with access to basic sanitation services.” she said.
Managing Director Logistics DP World, Mr Andre Bresler, said they seek to deliver improved social outcomes and positive impacts in the communities in which we operate.
“In launching our partnership with WaterAid in Nigeria, we aim to address critical challenges in Bauchi State, enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure,” he said.
Responding, Alhaji Garba Iliyasu, District head of Hardawa has lauded the WaterAid Nigeria and DP World for plans to provide solar powered boreholes in Rugar Jeji, Hardawa community of Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
He noted that the Rugar Jeji community has been suffering from a water crisis, saying a community with over 1000 population has only three dug wells.
He went further to declare that the water project will undoubtedly improve the livelihood of the people of the community and assured the team that the community will continue to appreciate the good gesture of the donors.
The community leaders could not hide their utmost joy as they appreciated the fact that the use of solar-based technology would reduce the burden of water problems in the community.
Iliyasu said the commencement of the conservation of solar-powered water schemes and other sanitation facilities in communities in the LGA will alleviate the sufferings of the people who struggle to get water for basic needs.
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