Nigerian Navy Donate Solar Powered Borehole To End Water Scarcity In Anambra Community
The Nigeria Navy on Friday inaugurated a solar powered borehole project it constructed in Udu-ura, Umulekwe Ebele, Village in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra in a move that addresses the age long water supply challenge in the community.
The 30,000 capacity borehole project was executed under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project is a Nigerian in honour of Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala, a son of the community.
Air Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) said the construction of the project was in line with the fact that the Nigerian Navy recognised that the security and prosperity could be strengthened through meaningful development in communities.
Abbas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, in charge of Transformation and Innovation, Naval Headquarters, said the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme sought to address critical community needs and foster stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people.
He expressed confidence that the project would improve the quality of life of residents and contribute meaningfully to the development of the Community while urging the beneficiaries to protect and maintain for sustainability.
The CNS commended the facilitator for identifying the critical need of his community and utilising the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme to bring relief to his people.
“Portable water supply remains one of the most essential drivers of socio-economic development.
“It is safe for domestic use, supports education, stimulates commerce, enhances good health and creates opportunities for growth,” he said.
The CNS appreciated the government of Anambra and Umulekwe Ebele-Achina community for their cooperation and contributions to the successful completion of this project.
In his address, Real Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala who facilitated the project said the project scheme was to address the basic infrastructure gaps in the communities where officers and men hailed from them for their immense contributions to national life.
Okpala who is the Director of Policy, Directorate Policy and Plans, Defence Headquarters, appreciated the CNS for his commitment to community-centred leadership and for executing the Solar Powered Bore Hole Project executed in his honour
The facilitator who recalled how he joined his mates to travel miles to get water from the stream said they relied on rain water as the water table was too low as they dug over 1,500 ft before striking water
“Udu-Ura community has for over 50 years grappled with the absence of portable water; it became evident that water supply was the most pressing need of our people at this time. This project is a true reflection of the collective wish and priority of the community.
“The commissioning of this project will open the door to further economic opportunities and improve the standard of living of the community.
“I urge you to protect the installations from vandalism and to ensure their proper use and maintenance, so that this project may serve not just our generation, but generations to come.
“Let us continue to extend the same warmth, cooperation and support we have shown throughout the execution of this project, to all who may come to serve this community in future,” he said.
Igwe Nnaemeka Obiora, the traditional ruler of Achina Community thanked the CNS and the Nigerian Navy for the project, saying it was a source of relief to the people who had faced challenges of water supply for ages.
Obiora said while they were thankful for what the Navy had done for them through their son, they were also pleading for more, especially roads.
Mr Chidi Nwakpadolu, the Chairman of Umulekwe village in his vote of thanks said they would be eternally grateful to the Navy and Okpala for their gesture and promised that the people would protect the project.
Mr Tony Ezenwaka, the President General of Achina Community and other dignitaries including palace chiefs, youth and women groups also attended the event.
