In October 2021, we visited Misheli Community, Lau LGA, to track an electrification project and saw a signpost that read, “OUR CONCERN HERE IS WATER, BUT WHO CARES?”
The sign read funny, and we proceeded to probe the source. The result became a sensitization meeting under a neem tree. Residents lamented that a motorized borehole, the only water source for over 2,000 people in the community, had broken down in 2019, causing great hardship in accessing drinking water.
We sensitized them on how to engage their leaders for this and subsequent needs that would arise. We assisted them in writing community letters and delivering them to stakeholders.
We took the advocacy further and reached out to the member representing Ardo Kola/Karim Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency, Hon. Danladi Baido, who swiftly responded and facilitated the inclusion of the borehole repair under one of the projects in the constituency to be executed by the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority.
We coordinated the efforts to get the contractor on-site through the executing agency and supported the community youth leader in facilitating communication between the residents, contractor, and the project implementation team.
By December 8, 2021, the project was completed. The joy among the residents was immeasurable, with many expressing their gratitude and showering Tracka with praise and prayers.
“This is the biggest blessing that has ever happened to this village. You won’t understand how bitter we were for us to do that sign you saw that day you came. We have been suffering, but you helped us. Thank you so much. May your office continue to prosper,” Agatha, a mother of two living in the community, told Tracka.
Story by Ayomide Ladipo and Samuel Bisong
