As DP World-funded project brings safe water closer to over 4,400 people in Misau LGA
By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
WaterAid Nigeria, with funding support from DP World, has commissioned two solar-powered boreholes, two water kiosks and three Tap Islands in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The intervention is part of the project titled Increasing Access to Sustainable Climate-Resilient WASH for Women in Bauchi, which seeks to tackle the region’s critical water challenges by providing clean water closer to home.
In Bauchi State, many communities still face difficulty accessing basic water services, with families, especially women and children, often walking long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources. This project directly addresses these gaps and promotes sustainability through local ownership and inclusive community engagement.
“I would love to be a teacher if given the opportunity to go to school but lack of access to water is a major problem for me. I do six trips every day from the community well and hawk kola nut to cater for my family. Having water in the community will help improve our education and economic strength.” – said Zainab Garba, an 18-year-old resident of Rigar Jeji, reflecting on the situation before the intervention.
The commissioned facilities—one in Rigar Jeji and the other, in Bagam—will serve a combined population of over 4,400 people directly. Implemented in close collaboration with the Bauchi State Government through RUWASSA, the project also established key community management structures for long-term facility management and hygiene promotion.
These include WASH Committees (WASHCOMs) for facility oversight, Local Area Mechanics (LAMs) trained in minor repairs, operation and maintenance, and Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs) who continue to educate community members on good hygiene practices.
“This partnership with DP World demonstrates what is possible when we combine local leadership with global commitment. We are proud to see sustainable infrastructure in place that supports public health, reduces the burden on women and girls, and enhances community resilience to the effects of climate change. Now, Zainab and others like her can fulfil their dreams of becoming teachers, doctors and pursuing any careers of their choice to achieve self-actualization and contribute maximally to the development of their communities.”The Country Director for WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere said
As part of its sustainability strategy, the project has introduced a community-led tariff system to fund ongoing operations and ensure long-term functionality of the facilities. The project also supplied and installed a solar powered charging point in the water Kiosk for the WASHCOMs to generate additional funding for maintenance of the of the facility.
DP World, a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, is committed to supporting community investment projects and sustainable development, recognizing the role of clean water and sanitation in enabling health, dignity, and economic growth for the communities in which it operates. The organization’s collaboration with WaterAid reflects its commitment to advancing climate-resilient infrastructure and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
WaterAid and partners call on the Bauchi State Government and all WASH stakeholders to expand this model across underserved areas, strengthen policy and systems for WASH delivery, and increase investments in inclusive, climate-resilient water infrastructure to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water.