By Fred Odu and Austin Oyibode
The people of Idumuje Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area and Umunede in Ika North East had cause for celebration on Wednesday as Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, commissioned two solar-powered boreholes to ease the communities’ long-standing struggle with potable water.
The facility in Umunede will serve residents of Idumu Isiokwe, Idumu Oroh, Egwuechime, Umu Obi, and New Road, bringing much-needed relief to households that previously endured severe water scarcity.
For years, families trekked long distances, sometimes up to nine kilometers to Mbiri, just to fetch water for domestic use.
The commissioning ceremonies were marked by vibrant cultural dances and heartfelt tributes from residents and community leaders, who hailed the Senator’s intervention as life-changing.
> “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 Miss Augusta Agwumaro, an indigene of Umunede.
Chief Amos Onyeagwu, the Akinuwa of Umunede kingdom, echoed this gratitude:
“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.”
Sustainability Through Solar Power
Unlike conventional boreholes powered by diesel generators, the solar-powered systems require no fuel to operate, making them cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Local residents have also been trained to manage and maintain the facilities to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.
Speaking on behalf of the Senator, his Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Nwoko, described access to potable water as a fundamental right.
“The basic commodity that should be provided for people is water. Unfortunately, acute water scarcity has been 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,” he explained.
The projects were executed by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) as part of a broader vision to tackle water challenges across Delta North.
Part of a Larger Water Agenda
Senator Nwoko’s commitment to water solutions extends beyond boreholes.
He has facilitated the near-completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, now 80% complete, and secured funding for the Aniofu Dam in Aniocha North, both designed to provide long-term water supply to the region.
“When these two dams are completed, the challenge of acute water supply will be a thing of the past in Delta North,” Dr. Michael Nwoko added.
The Senator is also pushing for smart irrigation systems under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen agriculture and food security in Delta North, a predominantly agrarian region.
Commendations From Stakeholders
Community and political leaders praised the Senator’s intervention.
Hon. Samuel Ekene Kerry, APC Chairman for Ika North East, said:
“I want to thank Senator Nwoko for considering it necessary to bring water for our people. This is evidence of his effectiveness.”
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project.
Special Adviser to the Senator on Political Matters, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, urged residents to safeguard the facilities, noting, “This project is for the people of Umunede, not for Ned. More are coming.”
The Managing Director of BORBDA, Hon. Dr. Olufemi Adekanbi, described Senator Nwoko as “a performing Senator who genuinely loves his people.”
He confirmed that work on the Ogwashi-Uku Dam’s reticulation was ongoing and that funding for the Aniofu Dam had already been secured.
A New Dawn for Water Access
As the residents of Idumuje Ugboko and Umunede celebrate this milestone, the solar-powered boreholes stand as a symbol of renewed hope and sustainable development in Delta North.
For many, clean water, once a daily struggle, is now within reach, thanks to the intervention of their Senator.
