The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has provided a lasting solution to a 20-year water crisis in Gidan Na-Ari Community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. On 23 September 2024, the Foundation commissioned a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole, bringing relief to residents, particularly women and children, who had travelled several kilometres to neighbouring communities in search of potable water.
The village head of Gidan Na-Ari, Abdulwahab Ya’u, described the absence of a reliable water source as a severe hardship on residents over the years. He said residents normally travelled several kilometres to fetch water from neighbouring communities, with women and children suffering the most. The new facility has five water dispensing points and a manual hand pump as backup, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply.
General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, noted that the project went beyond the provision of water, stressing that access to clean water is critical to health, livelihoods and community development. He said access to clean and reliable water is a foundation for healthier families, stronger livelihoods and more productive communities.
According to Odusanya, easier access to water would reduce the time women and children spend searching for it, allowing them to devote more attention to education, household responsibilities and other productive activities. The Foundation expects the facility to support farming, small businesses and other economic activities, while improving hygiene and sanitation in the community.
The borehole was commissioned by the Jigawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources on behalf of Governor Umar Namadi. The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, development partners and other stakeholders.
The project forms part of BATN Foundation’s interventions in rural communities, covering community infrastructure, agricultural empowerment, enterprise development and livelihood support. The Foundation’s efforts aim to make a positive impact on the lives of residents in Gidan Na-Ari Community and other rural areas.
With the new borehole, residents of Gidan Na-Ari Community can now access clean and reliable water, improving their overall well-being and quality of life. The BATN Foundation’s initiative has brought relief and hope to a community that had endured a 20-year water crisis, and serves as a model for sustainable development in rural areas.
Key points
- The BATN Foundation’s project provides a reliable and sustainable water supply to Gidan Na-Ari Community.
- The facility has five water dispensing points and a manual hand pump as backup.
- The project aims to support farming, small businesses and other economic activities, while improving hygiene and sanitation in the community.
