An Ebonyi-based Non Government Organisation, Neighbourhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation on Tuesday donated a hand pump borehole to Ohatekwe-Edda community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.
The Executive Director of NEW Foundation, Dr Kelechi Okezie, while inaugurating the project said it was a promise fulfilled in recognition of the community’s commitment to protecting the environment through tree planting and other climate-friendly practices.
He explained that the borehole was part of the Strengthening Local Advocacy Against Climate Change (SLACC) project, supported by international partners.
He said that the project would address years of struggle for access to clean water.
“Water is life; as you drink and utilise water from this borehole, may it bring good health, development and prosperity to this community,” Okezie said.
Some of the residents, who spoke to, said the borehole was more than a project, as it was the answer to a long-standing problem.
Meanwhile, many of the residents including women and children, who often trekked long distances to fetch water from streams, sang and danced as the facility was unveiled.
A mother of five, Mrs Nnenna Ede, said she could hardly believe that their days of depending on unsafe water sources were finally over.
“This is like a dream come true; we used to wake up as early as 4 a.m. to fetch water from the stream.
“Sometimes the water was dirty, and our children fell sick; with this borehole, life will be much easier for us,” Ede said.
One of the village leaders, Mr Chinedu Nwankwo, described the intervention as a “blessing” to the people.
“We have suffered a lot due to lack of clean water; today, our suffering has ended. Our children will no longer miss school because they spent hours searching for water. This borehole will save lives,” he said.
A student, Mr Uchenna Okorie, said that the project meant more time for schooling and recreation.
“Before now, I used to go late to school because I had to help my mother fetch water, now I can get ready early and attend my classes on time,” Okorie said.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Uka, a cassava farmer believed the project would improve their productivity.
“Farming is hard when you don’t have enough water to drink or cook food at the farm but this borehole will help us work better and reduce the sicknesses we often get from drinking dirty water,” Uka said.
One of the community elders, Chief Augustine Eze, while commending the foundation said that the project was more than a water source.
“This borehole is a symbol of hope; it shows that when people work together and support good causes, the world notices; we are grateful,” he said.
The project is expected to ease the burden on women and children, reduce waterborne diseases and improve sanitation and hygiene in the area.