Residents of Eneme, Kurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State has expressed joy over the commissioning of solar-powered borehole and the inauguration of a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) constructed by Rhema Care, with funding from Malteser International and German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
This coincided with the marking of the 2025 World Water Day celebration.
Organised by Rhema Care, the event brought together key stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Kurmi LGA, community leaders, council members, and residents, all of whom celebrated a significant milestone in their pursuit of clean and safe water.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Kurmi LGA, Hon. Moses Maihankaii, lauded Rhema Care’s commitment to improving water access in the region.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and today, we are witnessing a step forward in ensuring this right for our people.
“This solar-powered borehole will go a long way in reducing waterborne diseases and improving the overall well-being of Eneme residents,” he said.
The highlight of the event was a presentation by the Rhema Care’s Chief Executive Office Rev. Eric Shu, who was represented by the WASH Officer, on the importance of glacier preservation and sustainable water resource management.
“Glaciers play a crucial role in supplying fresh water to our rivers and communities, but climate change threatens their existence.
“We must embrace sustainable water practices to safeguard our future,” he explained.
The session also emphasized borehole sustainability through community ownership, regular maintenance, and responsible water use.
A major milestone of the day was the formal commissioning of the solar-powered borehole by the Executive Chairman. Before this intervention, residents of Eneme relied on unsafe water sources, exposing them to health risks.
“For years, our people have struggled with access to clean water. Today, we have been given a lifeline.
“We are grateful to Rhema Care and urge everyone to take responsibility for maintaining this borehole,” Chief Emmanuel Kachi, a community leader, said.
To ensure the long-term functionality of the facility, the newly inaugurated WASHCOM pledged to oversee the borehole’s maintenance.
The Committee members vowed to conduct routine monitoring, address leakages, and swiftly handle mechanical faults.
“This borehole belongs to us all, and we must protect it.
“Regular maintenance is our priority,” affirmed a WASHCOM representative, Mrs Sarah Yakubu.
Residents and community leaders expressed their appreciation while calling for sustained efforts in WASH infrastructure maintenance.
“This initiative is a blessing, but without proper monitoring, it may not last.
“We call on the government and development partners to continue supporting such efforts,” said Mr Musa Danjuma, a Kurmi LGA Council Member.
Recommendations from the event include regular monitoring and maintenance of WASH facilities, as well as capacity-building programs for WASHCOM members to equip them with the necessary skills for borehole and latrine repairs.
“The commitment displayed by Rhema Care indicates a promising future for improved water access and hygiene.
“As the celebration ended, the message was clear: clean water is life, and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect and sustain it,” the Executive Director, Kelechi Okoroji-Ejemson, who was represented by Franklin Nne.
