By Joy Gadani
Member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Chikun Constituency, Hon Ayuba Ishaku Chawaza was excited and full of praises from his Ungwa Waziri constituents including IDPs on Friday following the commissioning of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facility which he facilitated.
Speaking at the commissioning of the 25,000 litre capacity tank solar powered borehole, Hon Chawaza acknowledged that his joy knows no bounds to witness what he described as a “dream come true” for his people.
“This IDPs camp is one among many within the constituency and “with the vulnerability of the people, you don’t need a prophet to tell you that this community deserves social amenities such as water, electricity, roads, health centres etc”, said the Lawmaker.
He further explained that having seen the plight of the people of Ungwa Waziri, he decided to reach out to Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam of the Oversees Fellowship of Nigeria Christians (OFNC) UK, who in turn contacted the Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology and Expertise (TASTE) Nigeria; the project is result of this partnership.
Also speaking, the Project Officer, TASTE Nigeria, Jonathan Makan said his organization focuses on projects like for vulnerable communities as a means to help them recover from their challenges and in order to live better lives.
Jonathan stated that the project is a solar powered borehole with a 25 litre capacity water tank, four draw-off points, and a one unit four compartment toilet. According to him, the project does not only seek to provide water, but to put an end to open defecation which is a key factor to the health challenge in the community.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, represented by Dr Sunday Danjuma Barnabas, appreciated the Hon chawaza for this great effort, saying that the project is a beautiful dream that will benefit many generations to come.
He expressed optimism about improved development to the community with similar partnerships like this extended; “we expect that more things will come here, hospitals will come here, good roads will come here, schools will come here and many other
On his part, the Village Head of Ungwa Waziri, Kakau Ward of Chikun Local Government Area, Mr Bitrus Waziri observed that the project will curb the high rate of diseases usually recorded in the community due to lack of portable drinking water.
He appreciated the funders of the project, and further called on well-meaning Nigerians and Charity Organizations to come to their aid. “we have other needs because our roads are bad, we don’t have schools and hospitals”, he said.
Victoria Jonathan, the women leader of the IDPs recalled how they drink water from the stream and how their children would always fall sick due to the unhealthy water they were consuming. “With the feces, pampers and everything, but we still have to drink from it. I am overjoyed by this project; I wish you could open my heart to see”.
good things”.
Also, a 16-year old Esther Wakili said they are overjoyed by the project.
She however stated that living in the community is not easy as they would have to walk for miles to access medical services, and about an hour to get to school.
TASTE Nigeria had in June this year, conducted a capacity building for 20 Wash Champions who will supervise and ensure maintenance of the facilities for sustainability.
The project was implemented by the Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology and Expertise (TASTE) Nigeria, with funding from Oversees Fellowship of Nigeria Christians (OFNC) UK, supported by Chawaza Saving Lives Foundation.
