Water is life’s most essential resource, a truth universally acknowledged. However, for many rural and underserved communities in Nigeria, this fundamental necessity remains a distant dream. Recent data from the World Bank on Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) highlights the dire consequences of inadequate access to clean water. While the challenges of water scarcity touch both urban and rural areas, it is the latter that bears the brunt of insufficient infrastructure. FLO Foundation, in partnership with Pestalozzi International Foundation, embarked on a mission to transform this reality through the ‘Clean Water project.’ Our project was designed to bring clean and accessible water to Kewaye, a small village in the Bichi local government area of Kano state, Nigeria.
The Cry for Clean Water
Kewaye, like many villages in northern Nigeria, grapples with the relentless burden of insufficient access to clean water. Approximately 800 people call Kewaye home, and the lack of this essential resource disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of the community: women and children. Their daily struggle involves embarking on long treks to neighboring villages and school facilities outside their own community to fetch water. Often, multiple trips are necessary each day. The absence of this basic necessity has plunged Kewaye’s residents, especially the vulnerable groups, into dire living conditions. It is clear that a project like the Clean Water initiative is not just a necessity but a lifeline for these communities.
Bringing Clean Water to Kewaye
FLO Foundation, in collaboration with Pestalozzi International Foundation, undertook the challenge of transforming the water situation in Kewaye. We spearheaded the construction of an efficient hand pump borehole, providing a sustainable source of clean and accessible water to the community. From inception to completion, this project has been a testament to our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Project Highlights
Preliminary Meetings and Community Engagement
Our journey began with a series of meetings and engagements with the Kewaye community leadership. Delegates from FLO Foundation met with the ward head, Shuaibu Abdullahi, and other stakeholders to discuss the construction of the borehole hand pump. The community welcomed this development with open arms, emphasizing the challenges they faced due to the lack of water. An official letter seeking permission for borehole construction and filming in the community was presented to the ward head and duly approved on August 19th, 2022. This marked the beginning of our collaboration with the community.
Partnering with WALLTECH Nigeria
Delegates from FLO Foundation also held meetings with the head of the construction company, Arc. Huzaifa Sani. The project’s details were thoroughly discussed, and it was decided that he would visit the construction site for a comprehensive assessment. On August 22nd, 2022, the contractor met with some of the community stakeholders. However, concerns arose about the drilling machine’s ability to reach the proposed location due to the soil’s texture. Members of the community pledged to provide logs to facilitate the machine’s passage. After visiting the site, a new quotation was given due to the distance and rural nature of the village. A contract agreement was signed by both parties, designating Arc. Huzaifa as the construction manager.
Borehole Construction
Drilling of the borehole commenced on August 24th, 2022. The original drilling point was changed to a new location, approximately 90 meters away, after it became evident that the drilling machine couldn’t reach the proposed site due to the unavailability of promised logs. The construction team assessed the new point as a suitable alternative. The drilling process took about four hours, reaching an average depth of 61.7 meters with water levels at 50 meters. The pipes were suspended at 60 meters, and the top part of the pipe was sealed to prevent contamination. The successful drilling marked the end of the first construction phase, closely supervised by FLO staff.
Installation of Hand Pump
Two days after drilling, on August 26th, 2022, the hand pump was installed to allow the water in the borehole to settle. The installation process took approximately three hours, and all necessary materials, including extension pipes, were successfully installed. FLO members were present throughout the installation and finishing process, ensuring the pump’s efficient operation
Commissioning of Hand Pump
The culmination of our efforts came on Saturday, August 27th, 2022, when the borehole and hand pump were officially commissioned. Ward head Shuaibu Abdullahi inaugurated the pump by filling a bucket with water. A congregational prayer was led by the chief imam of the community, Usman Umar, followed by other stakeholders. Words of appreciation were expressed by the ward head and FLO Foundation’s representative, Yazid Ma’aji. The women and children of Kewaye rejoiced as they witnessed the life-changing moment, and a token of appreciation was presented to the Foundation by the community.
Lives Transformed: The Impact
A few weeks after the project’s completion, FLO delegates returned to Kewaye to evaluate the pump’s impact. Local residents expressed their gratitude and shared how the borehole had improved their lives. Ado Abdullahi said, “This pump is God-sent; it has brought ease to our lives.” Mal. Sulieman added, “We are very happy with the borehole; now we don’t have to trek so far. Our children are delighted. Having water very close to us is such a blessing.” The pump not only saved time but also enhanced personal hygiene, as residents could now take regular baths, leading to a healthier and more hygienic lifestyle.
Progress and Beyond
The Clean Water project in Kewaye has been a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful impact in underserved communities. Through overcoming challenges and learning valuable lessons, we have succeeded in providing clean and accessible water to those who need it most. We believe that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental human right, and our mission is to continue working towards a world where every community has access to this vital resource.
As we reflect on our journey in Kewaye, we look forward to more projects that will empower communities and create a brighter, healthier future for all. Together, we can quench the thirst for clean water and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
