The project management unit of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has provided water facilities for three Bauchi communities.
ACReSAL constructed and officially handed over the Three solar-powered integrated water schemes to the communities of Galambi, Bedoji, and Mai Ari in Bauchi, Kirfi and Alkaleri local government areas respectively.
The integrated water schemes are designed to provide clean drinking water for both humans and animals, thereby addressing the long-standing water scarcity issues in the areas.
In his remarks, during the handing over ceremony at the three communities, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment who is Chairman of the State Steering Committee for the project, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule highlighted the significance of the intervention especially at a time when the government is doing everything possible to address WASH issues in the state.
Kawule said, “Water is life, and this initiative will save time previously spent fetching water, allowing people to focus on their economic activities and improve their livelihoods.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s commitment to providing essential amenities for the people across the State and promised further interventions.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioners for Water Resources and Agriculture, Hon. Abdulrazaq Nuhu Zaki and Hon. Dr. Iliyasu Gital urged the communities to take ownership of the facilities, stressing the importance of responsible usage and maintenance to ensure long-term benefits.
Speaking earlier at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Dr Ibrahim Kabir emphasised the community-driven nature of the ACReSAL project, noting that the initiative prioritizes community ownership to ensure sustainability and improve living conditions.
“We are here today to hand over these water schemes to the communities, with the support of the local government chairmen,” he stated.
Kabir also acknowledged the contributions of the Three District Heads in ensuring the safety and proper utilisation of the facilities.
The Chairpersons of Bauchi, Alkaleri, and Kirfi local government councils, variously pledged their support for the sustainability of the projects, promising to uphold guidelines for the maintenance and security of the water schemes.
District Heads of Galambi, Pali, and Kirfi also variously expressed gratitude to the ACReSAL Project and Governor Bala Mohammed, noting that the water schemes have transformed their communities by providing reliable access to clean water for both residents and animals.
Some members of the communities, including Audu, Maikudi, and Fatima Muhammed, shared their overwhelming joy and gratitude for the intervention, expressing their appreciation to ACReSAL.
“We used to trek about 20 kilometres to get water for our cattle, and it would take us 40 minutes to an hour to fetch clean drinking water for ourselves.
“But now, with this new water supply, it only takes three to five minutes to reach the source and get clean, safe water. Our animals are healthier, and there is an abundance of water for everyone without the stress we used to endure.”
The community members emphasized the transformative impact of this project on their daily lives.
The event featured the official handover of the facilities, the inauguration of committees for their management, and other related activities.
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