UNICEF Hands Over Solar-Powered Water Projects to Borno Government
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has officially handed over a solar-powered borehole with a 32,000-litre capacity to the Borno State Government as part of efforts to improve access to safe water in communities affected by last year’s devastating floods.
The water project, located at Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi Primary School in Maiduguri, is part of a broader initiative to restore clean water access following the September 2024 collapse of the Alau Dam, which led to widespread flooding across Maiduguri and its environs.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Maiduguri, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Rownak Khan, said the project represents more than just infrastructure; it is a symbol of resilience and a commitment to upholding the rights of every child and family to access safe water.
“Today marks not just the completion of a project but a shared commitment to dignity, resilience, and the right to safe water for every child and family affected by last year’s floods,” Khan said.
She recounted the impact of the flood disaster, which submerged over 70% of Maiduguri metropolis and displaced more than 400,000 residents. Homes, schools, and health centres were either destroyed or severely damaged, with vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly facing the brunt of the humanitarian crisis.
Funded by IHS Towers, the borehole project was part of an emergency intervention led by UNICEF in partnership with the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to restore water access in affected communities.
According to Khan, six solar-powered boreholes have now been completed in high-need areas across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area. These include Fori, Bulabulin, Shehuri North, Kusheri, Shetimari New GRA, and Goungolong.
“Each borehole has the capacity to provide 22,000 litres of clean water daily, serving thousands of people—including schoolchildren, mothers in health centres, and families trying to rebuild their lives,” she added.
Dr. Khan also emphasised that the project followed strict hydrogeological assessments and national standards to ensure the safety and sustainability of water sources. She encouraged local communities to take ownership of the facilities through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) committees to ensure their long-term functionality.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented at the event by the Head of Service, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for supporting the state’s recovery efforts and strengthening its systems.
“We appreciate UNICEF’s commitment to building a future where every child has access to safe water and a healthy environment,” Ghuluze said.
Aisha Modu, a Primary Five pupil at Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi Primary School, shared her excitement over the new facility. She noted that the availability of water on school grounds has helped her arrive on time, as she previously spent nearly three hours each morning fetching water before classes.
The school is located just 500 metres from the Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri.
