Over 21,000 rural dwellers in Kaduna State now have improved access to clean drinking water following the commissioning of new solar-powered and hand pump boreholes across Giwa and Kudan Local Government Areas.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), is part of Governor Uba Sani’s rural development drive.
The facilities were formally inaugurated by RUWASA’s Director General, Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, who reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to improve rural infrastructure.
“Water is a basic necessity of life, and today we are here to hand over this facility to the communities for their benefit and use,” Ladan said.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about health, productivity, and dignity for our rural people.”
The commissioned projects include solar-powered boreholes at Tudun Wada in Shika Ward, Giwa LGA, and at the General Hospital, Hunkuyi, as well as hand pump boreholes in Ungwar Rimi, Matarawa, and Tsamiya communities in Kudan LGA.
Collectively, the projects are expected to serve over 21,500 people.
According to Ladan, the projects were prioritized after a needs assessment revealed acute shortages of potable water in the affected areas.
He disclosed that some of the facilities were made possible through his personal humanitarian contributions, aimed at reducing water-related illnesses and improving community welfare.
“We have done our part as a government. Now, it’s the responsibility of the communities to operate and maintain these facilities to ensure long-term benefit,” he added, urging residents to protect the installations against vandalism.
Local leaders and health officials at the event praised the intervention.
Dr. Charles Uzomah, Medical Director of Hunkuyi General Hospital, said the borehole at the hospital would drastically reduce water shortages that had hindered service delivery. “This facility will improve patient care and promote hygiene in the hospital,” he noted.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents also expressed gratitude, chanting support for Governor Sani and Engr. Ladan. Many called the projects “life-changing” and pledged to safeguard them.
“You can’t talk about rural development without water. And for us in RUWASA, that is our core mandate,” Ladan stressed.