By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
The intervention of Senator Shehu Buba Umar representation Bauchi South Senatorial district has brought to an end the decades years of clean water scarcity that had hitherto bedeviled the residents of Unity Estate in Bauchi metropolis of the state.
The project execution facilitated by a non-governmental organization, the Halaty Community Development Initiative (HCDI) has instilled a new life to the estate residents who heralded the occasion with traditional and cultural displays that marked the memorable event.
The estate’s main borehole had broken down years ago, leaving the estate families to rely on expensive water vendors and unsafe water, a situation that posed health hazards to the inhabitants of the estate and surrounding settlements.
Concerned and worried to the inhabitants by the hardship, the Halaty Community Development Initiative took the bull by the horns and mobilized community members, an action that brought the issue to the attention of Senator Buba Umar who felt humanitarian to intervene.
Responding to the residents cries upon their plight, the distinguished Senator swiftly directed the repair of the borehole system which culminated to the restoration of steady clean water flow to households across the entire estate.
Senator Buba’s timely intervention to the residents plight brought a team of engineers that repaired and reactivated the water facility, thereby restoring portable water supply across the estate community.
Speaking to journalists on the occasion of commissioning the project, Secretary of the Unity Estate Residents Association, Mr Temidayo described the development as a huge relief, saying “Water is life, and without which, life in the estate can be unbearable.
Mr. Temidayo said, “Majority struggles to provide water for our families daily. With this intervention, things have improved, and we are deeply grateful,” and
appreciated the effort of Senator Buba and HCDI for restoring hygienic water to the estate.
Women in the estate, who were mostly affected by the shortage, expressed joy and relief over the project as encapsulated by resident Rashida Yusuf who said “Before now, I woke up before dawn to fetch water or buy from vendors at high cost. Now, with water restored, life is easier for our families. We are grateful to those who made it possible.”
Another resident, Mrs. Gladys Michael, added “It was the women who suffered most. We had to wake early, walk long distances, and still spend money we didn’t have. With this water restored, our lives are easier, and our children are healthier.”
Development experts note that the restoration of water in Unity Estate aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water.
The initiative also contributes to good health (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and poverty reduction (SDG 1) by easing financial burdens and ensuring better hygiene for families.
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