Edith CHUKU
Years of struggling to access clean and safe drinking water have come to an end for the people of Bere Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The people of Bere Community can now boost of portable drinking water.
This is following the intervention of a serving National Youth Service Corps Member, Obot James Lukpata, who recently executed a borehole project that now provides residents with a reliable source of potable water.
The project, which is part of Lukpata’s Community Development Service aimed at addressing one of the community’s most pressing needs.
Lukpata revealed that the initiative aimed at addressing the community’s long-standing water challenge, as well as, improving their health and overall living conditions.
For many years, residents of Bere relied on unsafe and distant water sources for their daily needs, exposing them to the risk of waterborne diseases and making access to clean water a daily challenge, particularly for women and children.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project, Lukpata said the initiative was inspired by the difficulties experienced by members of the community in accessing clean water. He explained that he was motivated to undertake a project that would have a lasting impact on the lives of the people.
According to him, the borehole project is designed not only to provide safe and portable drinking water but also to improve public health, promote better hygiene, and enhance the overall standard of living in the community.
He expressed appreciation to community leaders and residents for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project and encouraged them to take collective ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations.
His words: “This project was inspired by the lack of access to clean water in Bere Community. I want to say a very big thank you to the Khana LGA administration and community leaders. The peaceful environment in the area made the successful execution of the project possible.”
Residents of Bere Community welcomed the intervention with joy, describing it as timely and impactful.
They noted that the project would significantly reduce the burden of searching for water over long distances while improving sanitation and the wellbeing of households.
Community leaders also commended the corps member for his selfless service and commitment to community development, describing the borehole as a legacy project that would continue to benefit the people long after his service year.
The project highlights the positive impact of the NYSC Community Development Service programme, which encourages corps members to identify and address critical needs in their host communities through sustainable and people-oriented initiatives.
Commissioning the project, the Khana Local Government Area Chairman, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, who was represented by the APC Chairman of Khana LGA, Mr. Barile Ebenezer, described the project as a commendable contribution to community development.
The ceremony was attended by the Leader of Khana 10th Legislative Assembly, Mr Albright Gobari Deebom, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Daniel Dorka, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents.
