Residents of Gidan Na-Ari Community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State have gained improved access to potable water following the commissioning of a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation.

The intervention ends years of reliance on neighbouring communities for water, with residents reportedly travelling several kilometres to access potable water.

According to the foundation, the challenge persisted for more than two decades, with women and children particularly affected by the long distances involved in fetching water.

The newly commissioned facility features five water dispensing points, a solar-powered pumping system and a manual hand pump designed to ensure continued access to water within the community.

Speaking on the impact of the project, the Village Head of Gidan Na-Ari, Abdulwahab Ya’u, said it had reduced a major burden previously faced by residents.

“Before now, we normally travelled several kilometres to fetch water from neighbouring communities. Our children and women suffered a lot before they could get water,” Ya’u said.

The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, said access to clean water was essential to the development of rural communities, noting that the project would contribute to improved health, livelihoods and productivity.

“Access to clean and reliable water is much more than a basic infrastructure need. It is a foundation for healthier families, stronger livelihoods and more productive communities,” Odusanya said.

Odusanya added that improved water availability would allow women and children to channel time previously spent searching for water into productive activities within their families and communities.

The foundation said the project would also give residents more time to engage in farming, small businesses and other economic activities. It added that better hygiene and sanitation could contribute to reducing water-borne diseases.

The Jigawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources commissioned the borehole on behalf of the state Governor, Umar Namadi.

The governor commended the foundation for what he described as a practical response to the needs of rural communities.

Government officials, traditional leaders, development partners and other stakeholders were present at the commissioning ceremony.

BATN Foundation said the project was part of its wider rural development programme, which covers community infrastructure, agricultural empowerment, enterprise development and livelihood enhancement.

For Gidan Na-Ari residents, the foundation said the intervention would provide benefits beyond water access by supporting economic opportunities, health and dignity while contributing to the community’s prospects for sustainable development.

Source: Punch