By Akpan Glory
WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (CHC), has commissioned solar-powered boreholes and sanitation facilities across four communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
The intervention, part of the CHC Year 2 Project, aims to improve access to safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in peri-urban and rural communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said the CHC Year 2 Project was built on the success of the previous year’s intervention to expand WASH access and strengthen local systems for sustainability.
Mere was represented by Idowu Adebayo.
“In these four communities, WASH management committees were established, trained, and equipped to promote hygiene practices and ensure proper management of the facilities,” she said.
“As a result, 15,261 people now have improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
“This is more than a statistic, it represents restored dignity for families, where boys and girls can learn in cleaner schools, and communities can thrive in healthier environments”.
She expressed appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for its continued partnership and urged community members to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring regular maintenance.
“We count on the commitment of the WASH committees to ensure these projects are well maintained so that the benefits can last for generations,” she added.
WaterAid’s Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator, Mr Obinna Ogbodo, said the project benefitted a total of 15,261 people in Sabongari 3, Kogo 1, Igu, and Barangoni communities.
According to Ogbodo, Sabongari 3 and Kogo 1 communities received solar-powered boreholes with water kiosks.
He said Igu community had its water infrastructure upgraded to improve resilience during the dry season.
He added that Barangoni community benefitted from a solar-powered borehole and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities for schools.
Ogbodo noted that the interventions were designed to address long-standing challenges in water supply and sanitation, especially during the dry season when many households struggle to access safe water.
The Chief of Kogo 1 community, Mr Samuel Gimba, said the intervention was a major relief for residents who previously struggled to get water, particularly during the dry season.
“With this project, WaterAid and its partners have eased our burden. We are grateful for their support and will ensure the facilities are properly maintained,” he said.
Similarly, a representative of the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Mr Eli Kadanya, commended WaterAid and its partners for addressing one of the major challenges in the area; access to water.
“The Area Council has always faced difficulties in providing water. These projects have greatly reduced the hardship of our people,” he said.
Kadanya added that committees have been set up in all benefitting communities to oversee the operation and maintenance of the boreholes and sanitation facilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WaterAid Nigeria built on the success of the CHC Year 1 Project by implementing the Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery (CHC Year 2) project.
The project was implemented in partnership with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Bwari Area Council Management, and community leaders to expand access to clean water and sanitation.
It focused on strengthening systems, improving government engagement, and promoting sustainable WASH service models responsive to urbanisation and population growth.
It also prioritised hygiene and sanitation behaviour change for long-term impact.
All project water sources were tested and confirmed free from faecal contamination, meeting national standards.
WaterAid and partners aim to sustain project gains for improved community health and wellbeing. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
