Access to clean water is essential for human survival, and yet, millions of people worldwide do not have access to it. In Nigeria, the situation is no different, with many rural communities struggling to get access to clean water. One of such communities is Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama community in Umuogudu Akpu, Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. However, the story changed when Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation stepped in.

Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to providing clean water to Nigerians. The organization has reached over 55,000 Nigerians with access to clean water and is well-known as the top water foundation in Nigeria. The foundation is passionate about providing clean water to everyone, especially those in rural areas.

On the 22nd of December 2022, Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation visited Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama community to provide clean water to the people. The team was welcomed by women who jubilated upon seeing them. The women of the community had been risking their lives to fetch water for their families from a dirty pond. It was a dire situation, but the team was determined to help.

The team initiated a borehole drilling process and worked closely with the community to ensure its success. It was a collaborative effort, and the community members played a crucial role in making the project a success. Finally, the borehole was drilled, and the community had access to clean water.

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and the lack of it poses a significant health risk to communities. According to the United Nations, about 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, and over 4.2 billion lack access to safe sanitation. This lack of access to clean water leads to various health problems such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea, which can lead to death, especially in children under five years old. Women and girls are also disproportionately affected, as they are often responsible for fetching water, which takes up their time and puts them at risk of sexual violence and other dangers.

The intervention of Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation in Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama community is a significant step towards addressing the issue of lack of access to clean water in rural communities in Nigeria. The foundation’s intervention has not only provided access to clean water but also ensured that the community members are aware of the importance of clean water and how to maintain the borehole to ensure its sustainability.

The commissioning day was a day of celebration as the community members were overjoyed to have access to clean water. The event started with an opening prayer by a woman in the community, and the village head gave a warm welcome address. Samuel Dike, a staff member of Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation, expressed the team’s heartfelt appreciation and encouraged the community to take care of the borehole project. The representative of the borehole committee spoke, pledging their support and ensuring they would take care of the project for sustainability.

The borehole was officially commissioned by Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation, and the celebration began! It was a day of dancing, singing, and joy. The team was proud to be part of a project that would have a lasting impact on the lives of the people. The project would ensure that the community members no longer had to risk their lives to fetch water for their families.

The provision of clean water to rural communities is not just about addressing a basic need; it is about empowering people to take control of their lives and their future. With access to clean water, communities can improve their health, reduce poverty, and increase their economic opportunities. Children can attend school, and women can engage in income-generating activities without the burden of long-distance water collection.

Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation’s borehole water intervention project in Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama community is a shining example of how impactful such interventions can be. The foundation’s commitment to ensuring sustainability by involving the community in the project’s management is also commendable. This approach helps to ensure that the project is well maintained and that the benefits of the intervention continue to accrue to the community.

On the commissioning day, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and gratitude. The opening prayer was given by a woman in the community, who thanked God for the gift of water and for bringing the Haske team to their community. The village head then gave a warm welcome address, expressing his profound gratitude to Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation for their support in providing clean water to their community.

The event proceeded with Samuel Dike, a staff of Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation, giving a word of appreciation and encouragement to the community. He thanked the community for their cooperation and for allowing Haske to carry out the borehole drilling project in their community. He also thanked Mr. Obed, the borehole engineer who nominated them for the project and worked closely with them to ensure its success.

Dike urged the borehole committee to ensure that the villagers take care of the borehole project, as it is important for its sustainability. He emphasized that the borehole project was not just for the benefit of the community, but for future generations to come. He encouraged the community to take ownership of the project and ensure that it is well maintained.

The representative of the borehole committee also spoke, pledging their support and promising to work hand-in-hand with the community to ensure that the project is well-maintained. He expressed his gratitude to Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation for their generosity and for bringing hope to their community.

Finally, the borehole was officially commissioned by the staff of Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation, marking a new beginning for the community of Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama. The commissioning ceremony was followed by a celebratory feast, with the community members expressing their joy and gratitude for the new borehole project.

In conclusion, the success story of the borehole water intervention project for Ndiegu Okpe Umuimama community is a testament to the importance of clean water in rural communities. It also highlights the immense impact that organizations like Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation can have in transforming the lives of people in underserved communities. With their tireless efforts, they have helped to provide access to clean water for over 55,000 Nigerians, bringing hope and a brighter future for many communities across the country.