FG/IFAD VCDP URGES BENEFICIARIES TO Take OWNERSHIP OF BOREHOLES FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Beneficiaries of the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FG/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State have been urged to take ownership of community boreholes and strictly adhere to maintenance procedures to ensure the facilities remain functional long after the programme exits their communities.
The call was made during a training on Constitution and Strengthening of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Committees for Water Supply for beneficiaries from Shiroro, Wushishi, Kontagora, Lavun, Katcha, Bida, Edati, Mokwa and Borgu local government areas.
Speaking, the Niger State VCDP Irrigation Engineer, Engr. Elisha John, said water remains critical to all activities of the FG/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), particularly rice and cassava processing, stressing the need for beneficiaries to take the training seriously.
Engr John said the sustainability of the projects depends largely on the commitment of beneficiaries after the programme’s exit, urging them to properly preserve and utilize the tools provided for maintenance purposes.
“These tools are not for fashion. Keep them well and use them whenever the need arises,” he said.
The Irrigation Engineer warned beneficiaries against attempting repairs on faulty solar-powered water pumps, describing the pump as the most sensitive component of the borehole system and cautioning that unauthorized technicians may replace original parts with substandard ones.
According to him, communities should promptly report faults through their leaders and engage qualified professionals, citing instances in Lavun and Gusan communities where improper handling of faulty pumps resulted in prolonged breakdowns.
“It is our joy to come back even 10 years after our exit and still find these boreholes functioning and serving the people,” John added.
A facilitator at the training, Engr. Daniel Shaba, trained participants on preventive and corrective maintenance of boreholes, emphasizing that safety and functionality are essential to ensuring access to potable water and preventing diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
He advised communities to keep borehole surroundings clean, protect perimeter fences and avoid activities such as washing clothes, processing cassava or rice, and dumping waste near water sources, warning that contaminants could seep into groundwater and pose health risks.
Some beneficiaries expressed confidence in applying the knowledge gained from the training.
Sheki Mohammed from Lavun said his committee would ensure due process in handling faults involving control panels, switches, pumps and wiring, while Fatima Jibrin from Mokwa and Zakari Hussani from Borgu said the training had improved their knowledge of borehole maintenance, sustainability and income generation from water sales.
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