In some communities in ONNA local government area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the absence of clean, accessible water had not only threatened public health but also stifled economic activities and burdened women and children with the daily chore of trekking long distances in search of this basic necessity.
Water, a source of life and dignity, had become a symbol of despair for these communities.
When Hon. Kufre Okon Umoren assumed office as ONNA local government Chairman, he faced this glaring challenge head-on.
Guided by the detailed report submitted by the committee on essential infrastructure, he prioritized water accessibility, acknowledging that no meaningful development can occur without addressing the foundational needs of the people.
Within his first 100 days in office, Hon. Umoren transformed this necessity into a reality, delivering what the people yearned for most: hope.
Hope arrived, not as a fleeting promise, but as a tangible transformation.
The once-dead and moribund boreholes scattered across the communities have been brought back to life, restored to their full functional capacity.
What sets this initiative apart, however, is not just the restoration but the innovative approach underpinning it.
In a visionary move that marries technology with sustainability, these water projects have been upgraded to run on solar power, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water while reducing dependence on costly and unreliable electricity sources.
Beyond the technical upgrades, this initiative has had profound ripple effects on the social and economic fabric of the communities.
Women and children, who once bore the brunt of water scarcity, are now liberated from the daily drudgery of fetching water from distant, often unsafe sources.
Children can now focus on their education, and women have more time to engage in productive activities, fostering a sense of empowerment and community upliftment.
The communities benefiting from this transformative projects are:
▪ 𝐀𝐰𝐚 𝐍𝐝𝐨𝐧
▪ 𝐍𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐲𝐨
▪ 𝐈𝐤𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐤𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐤.