Abuja:Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Wassa camp have expressed their gratitude to the Civitas Auxilium Foundation (CAF) and philanthropist Otunba Segun Showunmi for the installation of a solar-powered borehole, which aims to improve access to clean water in the community.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inauguration of the solar-powered water facility was part of a pre-launch activity for CAF’s fifth anniversary. This initiative addresses the camp’s water shortages and aims to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
Geoffrey Bulus, the camp chairman, emphasized the importance of this intervention, highlighting that access to clean water is crucial for the residents who frequently face water shortages. He noted that prior to this project, residents had to rely on stream water, which had led to a cholera outbreak that claimed the lives of three children two months ago.
Mrs. Hafsatu Hamman, the women’s leader at the camp, described the project as a beacon of hope for families who have endured significant hardships over the years. She noted that the borehole represents more than just a source of water; it symbolizes improved health and renewed confidence for the displaced families.
Community member Mrs. Margaret Dauda recounted the daily challenges families faced due to the lack of clean water, including exposure to serious health risks like cholera. She expressed her relief that the new facility would provide safe and reliable water, thus improving the community’s overall wellbeing.
Mrs. Elizabeth Duile, CAF’s executive director, explained that the organization prioritized this project because women and children in displacement camps are particularly vulnerable and often lack access to essential services. She noted that the solar-powered borehole offers a sustainable solution, especially given the camp’s unreliable electricity supply.
Dr. Segun Showunmi, the convener of The Alternative Movement and sponsor of the project, stated that the intervention was designed to restore dignity and enhance living conditions for displaced persons. He encouraged ongoing support for such humanitarian interventions, emphasizing their critical role in improving the lives of vulnerable communities.