By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Residents of Doro community in Bindawa Local Government Area of Katsina State have received a major boost in access to clean water following the commissioning of a solar-powered water supply scheme by the Nigerian Navy.
The project, delivered under the Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS) Quick Impact Project initiative, is expected to ease the burden of water scarcity, improve sanitation and reduce residents’ dependence on potentially unsafe water sources.
Commissioned on October 27, 2026, the facility comprises an industrial borehole, a 50,000-capacity water storage tank, a solar-powered pumping system, a standby generator and a reticulation network connecting three strategic distribution points in Doro and adjoining communities.
The commissioning was accompanied by a medical outreach aimed at bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff at the ceremony, a senior naval officer said the intervention demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to community development and stronger civil-military relations.
He explained that the project was initially designed to renovate an Islamiyah school and reactivate an existing borehole. However, consultations with community representatives revealed that access to potable water was the most urgent need, prompting a change in the project’s scope.
The revised plan resulted in the construction of a more comprehensive water supply system designed to provide residents with more reliable access to clean water.
According to the naval representative, the installation of solar-powered pumping equipment would help reduce operating costs and improve the sustainability of the scheme, while the standby generator would provide an alternative power source when necessary.
He said the project was more than a physical infrastructure, describing it as a practical demonstration of the Navy’s commitment to improving living conditions in communities across the country.
The officer noted that reliable access to potable water was essential to public health, personal hygiene, domestic activities and economic productivity.
He expressed optimism that the intervention would reduce the hardship associated with fetching water, improve environmental sanitation and contribute to the prevention of waterborne diseases.
Medical outreach complements water project
In a further demonstration of its commitment to community welfare, the Nigerian Navy incorporated a medical outreach into the commissioning programme.
The exercise was designed to provide residents of Doro and neighbouring communities with basic medical consultations, health screenings, professional advice, health education and basic medicines where available.
The naval representative urged residents to take full advantage of the exercise, stressing that access to clean water must go hand in hand with proper hygiene and preventive healthcare.
He particularly highlighted the importance of safe water storage, regular handwashing and environmental cleanliness in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
Rear Admiral Idris hails CNS
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Y. S. Idris expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for approving the project, describing it as a significant intervention for the community that raised him.
Idris, who delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of his family and the people of Doro, said the project would bring lasting relief to residents while strengthening the bond between the Nigerian Navy and the host community.
He also expressed gratitude to the Emir of Katsina for honouring the occasion, as well as the Katsina State Government, the chairman of Bindawa Local Government Area and the District Head of Doro for their support and contributions.
He commended the military officers, medical personnel, technicians, community leaders, youths and women who contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
Idris, however, urged residents not to take the facility for granted, warning that its long-term benefits would depend on proper management and collective responsibility.
He called on community leaders to establish an effective management arrangement to protect the borehole, solar equipment, storage tank, pipelines and distribution points against vandalism and misuse.
Navy tasks residents on sustainability
The naval representative also charged the community to treat the water scheme as a collective asset, urging residents to ensure fair access to the facilities and support reasonable maintenance arrangements.
He emphasised that the success of the intervention would be measured not only by its commissioning but also by its ability to serve the community consistently for many years.
He further commended Rear Admiral Idris, the project team, consultants, traditional institutions and government authorities for their collaboration in delivering the scheme.
The Navy reaffirmed that community welfare, national development and security were closely connected, noting that healthy, peaceful and economically active communities contribute to national stability.
The commissioning of the Doro water scheme marks a significant intervention in addressing a basic need of the community, with residents expected to benefit from improved access to water and the accompanying healthcare services.
The Navy expressed hope that the project would strengthen public confidence in the military and establish a foundation for sustained cooperation between the service and the communities it serves.
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