FCTA receives, commissions motorised solar boreholes for orphanages
By Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has received and commissioned two two motorised solar-powered boreholes from an NGO, the Amazons for Impact and Development Initiative, at two orphanages in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council respectively.
In particular, the two lives-saving water projects, facilitated by the Amazons Initiative powered by its sponsors are situated at the Shining Star Orphanage Home and the Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim Motherless Home, in Lugbe-AMAC and Gwagwalada respectively.
Performing the official commissioning of the projects yesterday, the Permanet Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, said such charitable ventures will only continue to compliment government’s initiatives in different sectors, in order to attract developments in the underserved areas.
Adesola, who was represented by Executive Director, FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate otherwise known RUWASSA, Dr. Mohammed Ali Dan-Hassan, added that the intervention will remain an indelible landmark in the lives of the beneficiaries of the projects, and the government’s joint efforts at making lives better for the residents of the territory.
He also admonished for effective use and the protection of this facility and other government infrastructure as it is everyone’s duty to jealously guard all government infrastructures for collective maximum advantage.
He said, “This charitable gesture of the “Amazons for Impact and Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation determined to give back to the society in an appreciative endeavour. It is our joy to see development partners and all other concerned stakeholders joining us to develop FCT of our dreams.
“In this regard, I therefore encourage our friends in the private sector and other potential partners to take advantage of the friendly business environment the Administration offers and find a way to gve back through their corporate social responsibility policy, in helping us to provide succour to the indigent communities.”
Earlier, in her remarks, Founder/chairman project planning committee of the Initiative, Dame Dr. (Mrs), Ebele Ulasi, said due to the fact that water is life, the Initiative during its inauguration in October 2022, with the backing of its sponsors decided to pilot well drilled accessorized solar boreholes to the beneficiaries at the selected orphanages, in furtherance of the service to humanity.
She said the committee conceived the theme, “One Orphanage: One Borehole” as the mantra for the epoch-making event, borne out of the findings they gathered while paying charity visits to some indigent orphanage homes across the FCT.
“We realized that most of these homes did not have portable water for drinking and other purposes. We unanimously decided to utilize the opportunity of our inauguration to raise funds to provide good drinking water to selected registered indigent orphanages, one in each of the six Area Councils in Abuja.
“By harnessing the boundless energy of the sun, the solar borehole ensures a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply for the orphanages and its inhabitants.
“The borehole represents a lifeline, a source of vitality, and a symbol of hope. This milestone is a testament to the relentless effort of our unique organization and a reflection of the incredible dedication and resilience of the staff and volunteers who tirelessly work to create a conducive nurturing environment for these children,” she said.
On his part, AMAC chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, represented by the supervisory councillor for Works and Housing, Hon Dantani Zandna, who commended the gesture of the NGO, called on the Initiative and operators of the orphanages to itemise their
demands, so that the council would know where to support them to do more.
