•As VSF unveils 4000-litre solar-powered borehole to curb water-borne ailments

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Since October 2002 when the peace of Gassa, a community of about 10,000 people in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, was punctured by a violent attack, residents of the agrarian community have yet to recover from the incident. The trauma of the incident, lack of basic infrastructure, and absence of potable water for households, have left them stranded for many years.But relief only came their way courtesy of rainfall and public spirited individuals and organisations who occasionally stop by to render help in the form of water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes.

With the destruction of their water sources by unceasing attacks, the Gassa community depended on any available type of water-from shallow wells, boreholes and muddy streams not minding the pollution associated with them. And, the result has been the reports of frequent outbreaks of water-borne diseases that continued to ravage the inhabitants.

But that is now history with the provision of a 4000-litre solar-powered borehole by the Victims Support Fund, VSF, to take care of the water, sanitation and hygiene of the community.

In place of drinking and using muddy water for their daily consumption, the community now enjoys a sterilized borehole water from a steady and verified source, thereby boosting their potential of good health and hygiene.

The VSF unveiled the water project on Tuesday as the excited community rolled out the drums to celebrate the gesture from the non-governmental organisation known for its interventions to communities in several areas.

Women and girls who had in the past borne the brunt of going in search of water for household use led in singing the praises of the organisation, while the youths and community leaders highlighted what the gesture meant for them and their families now and in the future.

A woman leader, Martha Boyi, summed up the feeling in the community after the unveiling of the borehore this way: “Before now, we did not wash our wrappers regularly because of lack of water but with the provision of the facility, we will keep neat and smell nice.” Iliya Luka, a youth leader also alluded to the benefits of the water project, saying: “Typhoid and malaria topped the list of ailments that were regularly reported to the primary healthcare centre in the community due to lack of clean water. But with this provision, we are sure that the trend will be reversed.” The Acting Gwom Gassa (the local chief), Dara James Toma noted thus: “Water is life and we are delighted because this project has a direct positive impact on the grassroots people. The stress of finding water on our women and young people has reduced greatly.”

In his contribution, Iliya Nash, a former Councillor from the community said: “This is the first time we are remembered with this kind of gesture and the entire community is happy. We have suffered many things, and did not have access to clean water before now. Since 2022, this community has been plagued by lack of water and insecurity. This water has brought us succour and relief in some ways but we need more to make life easier for us.”

Mr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the Special Adviser, Operations and Programmes to General Theophilus Danjuma, the Chairman of the Victims Support Fund, VSF, who handed over the facility to the community, commended them for the support the organisation received when the facility was being constructed. She said: “I must commend you for the support you gave us when we started work here. You made sure that the things we brought here, the solar panel, and others were protected and today the facility is a reality. It shows that you appreciate the effort and more interventions are on the way. There will be empowerment to improve the economy of the community and the state, there will be provision of educational materials so that the young people can be in schools; there is the humanitarian aspect where food items will be provided and these will be replicated in other communities in other local government areas of the state,” Akerele-Ogunsiji assured.

The Executive Director of VSF, Professor Nana Tanko urged the people to jealously guard the facility to ensure that it is not vandalised so as to continue to serve them.