NGO Installs Solar Power Systems In Enugu …To Boost Water Supply

An International Non-Gov
ernmental Organisation (NGO), WaterAid, has begun installation of solar power systems to boost water supply to rural dwellers in its Small Town Water Scheme (STWS) project in Enugu State.
The state Programme Manager, Mr Jude Emesim, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to him, the initiative became imperative, following challenges of shortage of public power supply which hampered implementation of the project.
“We have actually installed three solar power systems in three STWS in the state and we are planning to provide more to boost water supply to users of the scheme in rural areas.
“The initiative also aims to reduce the cost of operation and the maintenance of the scheme by the communities who may be unable to buy fuel to run their generators,’’ he said.
Emesim said that the organisation had the mandate to assist the rural areas, in partnership with both state and Federal Governments, to access water and sanitation facilities in the country.
He reiterated the organisation’s determination to provide water and sanitation infrastructure as well as ensure that such projects are put to use.
Emesim, however, said that it was the responsibility of the benefiting communities to maintain the facilities donated to them by WaterAid.
“Once we finish any water scheme, we hand it over to the benefiting community for operation and maintenance of the facility.
“We give them the certificate of ownership which certify that the scheme is now their own.
“We also offer training to the traditional leaders and youths in the communities on how to handle the water equipment,’’ he said.