In a significant step towards improving rural water supply and sanitation in Delta State, the communities of Oliego-Umuseti and Ogo-Ikilibi in Ndokwa West Local Government Area are celebrating as the Delta State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA) begins solar-powered borehole projects to enhance access to clean water.
These projects, funded by the Delta State Government and the World Bank through the Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, aim to tackle the challenges of water scarcity and inadequate sanitation faced by residents of rural communities.
The initiative includes the construction of boreholes, the installation of solar-powered water pumps, and the development of water treatment facilities in underserved areas. This will provide a reliable and sustainable source of water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. In addition to water infrastructure, the projects will also promote hygiene education and behavioral change initiatives to improve sanitation practices and reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.
Speaking at the project site handover, the General Manager of STOWASSA, Engr. Anthony Unuafe, emphasized that the solar-powered borehole projects are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate the difficulties faced by rural residents in accessing safe drinking water. He encouraged the beneficiaries to develop strategies for maintaining the water schemes to ensure their sustainability and motivate further government investment.
The residents of Ogo-Ikilibi and Oliego-Umuseti welcomed the news with enthusiasm and gratitude, expressing their excitement for the positive impact these water projects will have on their daily lives.
