For over two decades, residents of Gidan Na-Ari Community in Jigawa State, Nigeria, have faced significant challenges accessing clean and reliable water. Women and children had to travel long distances daily to neighbouring communities in search of water. However, this challenge has been substantially reduced following the commissioning of a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole by the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation. The project was equipped with solar-powered pumping infrastructure, five water dispensing points, and a backup manual hand pump for sustainability.
The village head of Gidan Na-Ari, Abdulwahab Ya’u, recalled the hardship residents faced before the project. He noted that children and women suffered a lot before they could get water, often travelling several kilometres to fetch water from neighbouring communities. The BATN Foundation’s project aims to provide more than just infrastructure; it seeks to drive community development through access to clean water. According to Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, access to clean and reliable water is crucial for healthier families, stronger livelihoods, and more productive communities.
The intervention by BATN Foundation is already creating positive impacts across the community. With water now readily available, residents can devote more time to farming, small businesses, and other economic activities. Improved hygiene and sanitation practices are expected to reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. Odusanya noted that improved water access allows women and children to redirect time previously spent searching for water towards more productive activities both at the family and community levels.
The borehole was commissioned by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jigawa State, on behalf of the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi. The commissioner commended the initiative as a practical response to the needs of rural communities. The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to improving rural livelihoods.
The project reflects BATN Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable rural development through community infrastructure, agricultural empowerment, enterprise development, and livelihood enhancement initiatives. For the people of Gidan Na-Ari, the new borehole represents improved health, greater economic opportunity, renewed dignity, and the promise of a more prosperous future.
The solar-powered borehole has five water dispensing points and a backup manual hand pump, ensuring a reliable supply of potable water to the community. This project is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of residents, improving their overall well-being and quality of life. The BATN Foundation’s initiative has brought relief to the community, which had struggled with water scarcity for many years.
The impact of the BATN Foundation’s project extends beyond the provision of clean water. It is expected to have a ripple effect on the community, driving economic growth, improving health outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. The project demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in rural communities, and its impact will be closely monitored in the coming years.
Key points
- The BATN Foundation has commissioned a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole in Gidan Na-Ari Community, providing reliable access to potable water for residents.
- The project aims to drive community development through access to clean water, improving health, productivity, and quality of life.
- The initiative reflects BATN Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable rural development through community infrastructure and livelihood enhancement initiatives.
