When we talk about hope, the name ‘Paiko Bassa’ should ring. A remote community under Guridi Ward, Abaji Area Council in FCT, home to over 2,500 people, Paiko Bassa had suffered for over 50 years, with the harsh realities of lack of access to clean water. Families relied on contaminated streams and shallow wells, leading to illness and death.
What pushed the urgency was a story no one could ignore. The community head, Mallam Nuhu Dagachi, shared the painful loss of 11-year-old Amina in December 2023. He said to us– “We lost our daughter because of dirty water. She fell ill as a result of drinking unclean water and without a nearby hospital, we watched her die. It was a sad moment for all of us in the community and that was not the first time such an ugly incident happened.”
In January, 2024, we held a town hall meeting with the residents of this community to discuss their pressing needs and how they could demand good representation from their elected representatives. We encouraged and helped them to write to their representatives and speak up about the water crisis that had plagued them for so long. They did just that.
To further strengthen their case, we reached out to Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, their Area Council Chairman and with persistent follow-ups and collaborative engagements, the message was finally heard. Change came!
In March 2025, the journey to hope continued– a solar borehole accompanied with the construction of tap outlets was installed and 2 streetlights at each outlet was done. With this, residents are able to finally taste the decency of clean water.
In April 2025, we received a joyful call from Comrade Abubakar Dalhatu, the community youth leader, telling us with all excitement that the water project had been completed. Solar-powered borehole with tap outlets, and solar streetlights have been installed.
“ I’m happy to tell you that the project has been completed, after thorough follow-up by you and the community, they have provided solar-powered boreholes and solar lights in our area, we have access to our own clean water now and we are happy” he said, with pride and excitement in his voice.
This story is not just of clean water and light, but of hope. For the people of Paiko Bassa, this is more than just a solar borehole and streetlight provision. It’s a lifeline. It’s a reminder that when communities speak and stay persistent, change is possible.
Tracka is proud to have walked this journey with Paiko Bassa—from advocacy to action and now to result.
Story by: Garba Abdullahi and Ademide Ademola
