Workers during the rehabilitation of boreholes in Mafa LGA
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
A Non Governmental Organization, Goal Prime Organization Nigeria, has launched a borehole project in Mafa town of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state with support from UNICEF.
The Country Director, Goal Prime Organization Nigeria, Dr. Christopher Chinedumuije in his remark, said the initiative was aimed at providing access to clean water for thousands of people in the community, especially women, children, and the elderly who trekked long distances to get drinking water.
He added that the organization water project also focused in rehabilitating two boreholes that have been grounded for over two years in the community.
According to him, lack of access to clean water has caused hardship and numerous challenges to the residents of the community, including school children skipping school, safety issues, and higher risk of cholera outbreaks.
He explained further that, last year, Mafa LGA experienced a cholera outbreak, with 216 suspected cases while seven culture-positive cases, and two deaths were recorded.
The Country Director noted that key stakeholders and partners involved in the borehole rehabilitation project include community leaders, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Mafa Local Government Council.
He said the water project upon completion, would significantly improve the community’s access to clean water, provide 50 litres of water per day, to reach approximately 3,333 individuals in the community.
The Country Director further said that in order to ensure the sustainability of the borehole rehabilitation project, community members are being provided with tools and empowered with the necessary skills to carry out future maintenance and repairs.
He opined that community participation or involvement in the water project will help guarantee long-term success and continued access to clean water for the people of Mafa LGA.
