Mariam Abeeb
WaterAid Nigeria has transformed the lives of over 10, 523 people in Sabongari 3, Kogo 1, Igu and Barangoni communities of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT through the provision of life-changing water, sanitation and hygiene services.
This is a result of a 17-month intervention by WaterAid Nigeria, with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The project was the second phase of the Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery in Abuja, which was implemented in Bwari Area Council.
The intervention saw the construction of new motorised solar -powered water schemes in Sabongari 3 and Kogo 1 and the upgrade of motorised borehole in Igu and Barangoni.
A gender-sensitive sanitation block was also constructed in LEA Primary School, Barangoni, and handwashing facilities were installed in the school to promote hand hygiene.
The Sabongari and the Kogo 1 boreholes with the storage tank capacity of 10,000 each will serve the 7,000 population in the two communities while the upgraded boreholes in Igu and Barangoni with the storage tank capacity of 5,000 and 10,000 respectively will benefit 3,532 people in the communities.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover event held in Abuja , Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, urged partners to uphold their commitment to maintaining and safeguarding the facilities to ensure long-term impact.
Mere who was represented by Idowu Adebayo explained that the facilities are expected to continue serving the community for generations to come.
She encouraged children to teach their peers about good hygiene behaviors to ensure the sustainability of the facilities.
She emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene behaviors both in school and at home.
“As we commission and hand over these facilities today, I urge all partners to uphold their commitment to maintaining and safeguarding them, ensuring that every drop of effort and every resource invested continues to change lives for generations to come.”
WaterAid thanked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for making the intervention possible and commends the leadership of Bwari Area Council, FCT RUWASSA and the Area Council WASH Department for their collaboration.
The organisation urged continued government support and local commitment so that this model can be replicated across other underserved communities.
The Acting Director , Rural and Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA Abigail Ekpenisi during her goodwill message at the event emphasized the importance of community ownership and sustainability of the projects.
According to her, the projects aims to ensure the sustainability of water and sanitation facilities.
She highlighted the need for collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to secure the facilities, especially in schools.
“This project is laudable. This is not the first of the projects. They have done it schools and communities. I want to thank WaterAid for the work they are doing here in FCT by promoting sanitation, hygiene and water supply. They are doing wonderfully well. I’m proud of them.
“However my message to the communities is that of sustenance and ownership which is very key. RUWASSA has told them to own these projects and sustain it,” she said.
Responding, the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Hon John Gabaya who was represented by the council secretary Honorable Eli Peter stressed the significant positive impact of the project on the community, highlighting the importance of water as an essential resource.
He described the projects as a symbol of progress, not just involving drilling but establishing a world-class standard borehole.
“We thank God and we also want to thank WaterAid and RUWASSA and other partners for these projects that will immensely benefit the people. We will do our best to ensure that these projects are properly used for the benefit of our people.
“Donating these projects show some level of progression. As a Council, we are very excited about this. This is not just about digging borehole or donating it to the communities but it is world-class and standard. I want to assure you that it’s going to stand the test of time and we’ll do everything within our reach as a Council to ensure that this is maintained and sustained,” he stated.
He assured that the council will ensure the borehole is maintained and sustained to a high standard, adding that the project is seen as a long-term investment that will stand the test of time.
Memoranda of Understanding were established with community representatives and Area Council partners to formalise responsibilities for operations and maintenance.
WaterAid also supported the formation and training of Environmental Health Clubs in schools to sustain hygiene practices among pupils.
