News Investigators/ The Plateau Government has strengthened access to potable water in rural communities with the delivery of 80,000-litre water projects to three communities in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA).
Jelkyes Dakat, General Manager (GM) of the Plateau Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PLAMWASSA), handed over the projects on Saturday.
Mr Dakat said the projects were part of the government’s effort to improve potable water supply, promote public health and sanitation and enhance living standards in rural areas across the state.
The GM said that the 80,000-litre complex solar-powered motorised water scheme was handed over to the Pushit, Mangun, and Ampang West communities.
He stated that the projects were powered by solar systems to ensure sustainability and uninterrupted water supply, especially in communities with limited access to electricity.
The GM urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring proper maintenance and safeguarding the infrastructure against damage or misuse.
Similarly, the respective chairmen of the Water Consumers Association of the three communities assured the GM that the water projects under their oversight would be effectively managed and properly maintained.
They affirmed their commitment to abiding by the terms in the memorandum of understanding and ensuring optimal functionality of all facilities.
Community leaders, who spoke during the handover, expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative, describing it as a “major relief for residents of their communities.
They noted that the projects would significantly reduce the burden of trekking long distances in search of water, especially for women and children.
Some residents of the respective communities who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the state government for the gesture.
They stated that the improved access to potable water would help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and support better hygiene practices in their communities.
Mrs Narin Dimang, an elated resident of Pushit community, said that the project would alleviate the challenges of searching for water, particularly during the dry season.
Dimang said that she often had to wake up as early as 4 a.m. to fetch water for her household needs, a task that was both exhausting and time-consuming.
She added that the project would not only save her considerable time and energy but also improve the overall quality of life for her family and neighbours.
Similarly, Mr Nanpan Gongse, Pushit Community Youth Leader, said the availability of potable water in his community would support hygiene, health, and daily activities.
NAN further reports that the 80,000-litre water schemes form part of broader efforts by the Plateau government to expand water infrastructure and improve the quality of life in rural communities across the state.
NAN