The residents of Ise Ikere Community in Ikere LGA, Ekiti state, have been experiencing an acute water shortage since 2012, especially during the dry seasons. The only available source was a river whose water was unfit for drinking, so they had to travel 2km to neighbouring communities to get free clean water.
In July 2021, we held a town hall meeting with residents to discuss their water challenges and how to ensure they are solved. We supported them in writing community needs assessment letters to stakeholders and engaging their legislators and LGA chairman.
Due to endless collective efforts and engagement, N9 million was allocated to the construction of a solar-powered borehole at St Andrew Anglican Church Ise Road Ikere Ekiti in the 2022 FG budget. We held another town hall meeting in April 2022 to sensitize them about the project and how to ensure it was implemented.
The borehole construction started in May 2022 and was completed in August 2022. We visited again in 2024 to check the status of the borehole, and residents were still benefiting from the provision.
Mama Alaran, a trader, narrated how the lack of water affected her children’s education, but that is now a thing of the past.
“There were many times my children would go to school without bathing because no water. I will have to buy pure water to cook, and that is what we will manage for the year. The borehole has ended my problem of going around to fetch water or buying pure water to cook because the water constructed is drinkable and can be used for many other things.” she said.
Mrs Ajayi spoke about how difficult life was before the borehole was constructed.
“l will have to go to a place far away from my house to fetch water from the river and sometimes would be disappointed because there will be no water, especially during the dry season. This borehole water has made life very easy for me and my children. l don’t have to go a long journey mile to fetch water again.” she told Tracka.
Story by Ayomide Ladipo and Jagun Idowu
