Nigerian Navy launches solar-powered borehole in Anambra village

The Nigerian Navy has launched a 30,000-litre solar-powered borehole project in Udu-Ura, Umulekwe Ebele Village, Achina, which is part of Aguata Local Government Area in Anambra State.

This project is part of the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative and the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme. It was set up to honour Ifeanyi Okpala, Rear Admiral, who comes from the community.

At the inauguration on Friday, the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abbas, a Vice Admiral, said this project shows that the Navy understands how security and progress can be improved through real development in communities.

Mr Abbas, who was represented by Chijioke Onyemaobi, a Rear Admiral in charge of Transformation and Innovation at Naval Headquarters, said the intervention scheme aims to solve important community needs and build stronger relationships between the Armed Forces and the public.

He believes that this project will enhance the living conditions of the residents and lead to community growth. He also urged those who will benefit from this project to protect and take care of the facility for its long-term use.

The chief of naval staff praised the facilitator for seeing a critical need in the community and using the intervention scheme to provide relief to the people.

"Potable water supply remains one of the most essential drivers of socio-economic development.

“It is safe for domestic use, supports education, stimulates commerce, enhances good health and creates opportunities for growth," he said.

Mr Abbas expressed his gratitude to the Anambra State Government and Umulekwe Ebele-Achina community for their cooperation and contributions that led to the successful completion of the project.

In his speech, Mr Okpala, director of policy at the Directorate of Policy and Plans, Defence Headquarters, said the intervention scheme aims to address basic infrastructure needs in communities where serving officers and personnel come from, showing appreciation for their contributions to national growth.

He thanked the chief of naval staff for supporting community-focused leadership and approving the solar-powered borehole project in his honour.

Mr Okpala recalled that during his childhood, he and his friends had to travel far to get water from streams. He added that residents also depended on rainwater because getting groundwater was hard.

"Udu-Ura community has struggled for over 50 years without access to safe drinking water; it became clear that water supply was the most urgent need for our people right now. This project truly reflects the community's shared wish and priority.

"The commissioning of this project will create more economic chances and raise the living standards in the community.

"I urge you to protect the installations from vandalism and ensure they are used and maintained properly, so this project may serve not just our generation but generations to come.

"Let us continue to show the same warmth, cooperation and support we have given during the execution of this project to all who may come to serve this community in the future," he said.

The traditional ruler of Achina, Nnaemeka Obiora, thanked the chief of naval staff and the Nigerian Navy for their help, calling it a major relief for residents who have faced water supply issues for decades.

Mr Obiora, along with Tony Ezenwaka, president-general of Achina Community, asked for more help, especially in road infrastructure, while showing gratitude for the Navy’s efforts through their son.

Earlier, Chidi Nwakpadolu, chairman of Umulekwe Village, said the community will always appreciate the Navy and Mr Okpala for the project, promising that the residents would protect the facility.