BY FRED ODU/AUSTIN OYIBODE
The people of Idumuje Ugboko, in Aniocha North and Umunede, in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State had every reason to be happy on Wednesday following the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole in each of the communities by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district in the National Assembly.
The Umunede scheme will serve residents of Idumu Isiokwe, Idumu Oroh, Egwuechime, Umu Obi, and New Road.
The initiative was a clear demonstration of the Senator’s commitment to delivering clean and safe water to residents who had long struggled with water scarcity.
The commissioning ceremonies, marked by vibrant dances from local women and heartfelt praises from community leaders, underscored the transformative impact of the Senator’s initiative and his passion for the well-being of his constituents.
For years, residents of both communities faced severe challenges accessing potable water, which left them with the option of travelling long distances—up to 9 kilometres to Mbiri in the case of Umunede—to fetch water for domestic use.
“It has not been easy for us to get water over the years. I am here to appreciate Senator Nwoko for providing clean water for us”, said an Indigene of Umunede, Miss Augusta Agwumaro.
A community leader and Akinuwa of Umunede kingdom, Chief Amos Onyeagwu, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Water is life. Our problem has been water over the years. Today, water is now here with us through the efforts of our distinguished Senator. Our wish is that God will always remember him for good”.
The uniqueness of the solar-powered boreholes is in their cost-effectiveness, as no diesel or fuel is required to keep them running and ensure sustainable access to water in the communities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Staff to Senator Ned Nwoko, Dr. Michael Nwoko, emphasised the significance of the project, noting, “The basic commodity that should be provided for people is water. It’s quite unfortunate that we live in a society where there has been acute scarcity of water, common in Delta North.
“Senator Nwoko thought it wise to facilitate and fully attract this project under the 2024 appropriation bill of the Federal Government”.
The project was executed by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), with local indigenes trained to manage and maintain the systems for long-term sustainability.
The initiative is part of a broader vision to address water challenges across Delta North.
Senator Nwoko has also championed the near-completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, now 80% finished, and secured funding for the Aniofu Dam in Aniocha North, both aimed at providing comprehensive water solutions to the people of Delta North.
“When these two Dams are completed, the challenge of acute water supply will be a thing of the past in Delta North”, Dr. Nwoko added.
Additionally, the Senator is advocating for smart irrigation systems under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost farming and ensure food security, given the region’s agricultural backbone.
Community and party leaders lauded Nwoko’s efforts. Hon. Samuel Ekene Kerry, APC Chairman for Ika North East, praised the Senator’s track record, stating, “I want to thank Nwoko for considering it necessary to bring water for our people.
“This is evidence of his effectiveness”. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the project.
Special Adviser to Senator Ned Nwoko on Political Matters, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, urged residents to maintain the boreholes, emphasising, “This project is for the people of Umunede, not for Ned. More are coming”.
Managing Director of the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Hon. Dr. Olufemi Adekanbi, highlighted Nwoko’s dedication, saying, “Ned Nwoko is a performing Senator. He loves his people. I see the zeal in him for performance”.
He confirmed that the Ogwashi-Uku Dam’s reticulation was underway, and that funds for the Aniofu Dam in Aniocha North had been approved, both facilitated by Senator Nwoko.
Residents like Chief Boniface Chiejere called for more projects, stating, “We need more. We are asking for more from the Distinguished Senator.”
As the communities celebrate this milestone, the solar-powered boreholes stand as a testament to Senator Nwoko’s commitment to transforming lives in Delta North, with clean water now flowing where its scarcity once held sway.
