By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Four solar-powered boreholes will be constructed in Borno State by IHS Nigeria to support victims of flood in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The facilities will be put in displaced peoples’ settlements and other temporary displacement sites, including in densely populated areas without access to a safe water source, at schools to help facilitate the early return of children to classes, and at health centres, which are also used as Outpatient Therapeutic Program sites and provide nutrition services and counselling for pregnant women, young mothers, and malnourished children.
The company is donating to the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) emergency flood response.
It is aimed to help address the most urgent needs of flood-affected populations in Borno State, especially those displaced following flooding in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere and Konduga LGAs.
The response by HIS Nigeria and UNICEF will help mitigate the impact of the flood and the risk of waterborne diseases for nearly 20,000 people, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young mothers, children, and patients visiting health centres.
“We empathize with the government and people of Borno State and extend our sympathies to those who lost loved ones and properties in the flood.
“We are aware that as people begin to return to their homes and communities with flood waters receding, they continue to face major risk factors, including damaged and contaminated water sources.
“A key priority for us, which informed our donation of these boreholes, is to help prevent or limit outbreaks of communicable diseases such as cholera while improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for affected populations.
“This donation is an extension of our partnership with UNICEF, which since 2021 has supported the provision of WASH facilities to over 6,000 beneficiaries and enabled the delivery of over one million preventive and curative treatments for tropical diseases related to WASH,” the chief executive of HIS Nigeria, Mr Mohamad Darwish, said.
“UNICEF is very grateful to IHS Nigeria for their generous donation of solar-powered boreholes, which comes at a critical time for communities affected by recent floods in Borno State.
“This contribution will not only provide essential safe water to thousands, but also protect vulnerable populations, including children, from the threat of waterborne diseases, and support communities as they work to start rebuilding their lives and livelihood.
“Together with IHS Nigeria, we are making significant strides in safeguarding children and families, and strengthening resilience through our shared commitment to water, sanitation and hygiene services in emergencies,” UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, stated.