FCT : Joy, Relief As FORPS Donates Boreholes To Bwari Communities

In a heartfelt demonstration of community support, the Friends of Regent Primary School (FORPS), Maitama, Abuja, have donated two boreholes to the Kogo II and Barangoni communities in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Commissioning the boreholes, the Chairperson of FORPS, Mrs. Salma Dahiru Muhammed, noted that the gesture was part of FORPS’ corporate social responsibility to provide water to underserved villagers.

Mrs. Muhammed described the initiative as a vital intervention aimed at addressing the lack of access to clean water in the benefiting communities and reaffirmed the group’s dedication to uplifting such communities.

“Access to clean water is a fundamental necessity, yet it remains a challenge for many communities. Recognizing this, Friends of the Regent Primary School embarked on this project to provide a sustainable source of potable water, promoting health, supporting development, and creating a conducive living environment.”

Mrs. Muhammed, who noted that the water facility stands as a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision, commended the entire Regent Primary School family for their support and collaboration, which were instrumental to the project’s success.

Also speaking, Headmaster of Regent Primary School, Mr. Shaun Stockden, highlighted the speed and commitment with which the project was executed.

“We organize annual fundraisers that support impactful community projects, and we look forward to initiating more of such interventions,” he said, adding that the borehole project was conceived and completed within just seven months.

Vice Chairperson of FORPS, Mrs. Fiona Ewa, recalled that the group was motivated to undertake the project after seeing a trending video and disturbing images of people and animals sharing the same water source, which triggered strong emotions.

“A few weeks ago, there were some disturbing pictures and images—I think it was a video—of humans and animals drinking from the same water source. That video was heart-wrenching and overwhelming. Not just for me, but for all of us at Regent Primary School, including the management, staff, students, and friends of Regent. So, we are here today and very pleased to honor, serve, and give back to society.”

Explaining the health and social benefits of providing a clean, sustainable, and reliable source of drinking water, she said each borehole is estimated to supply at least 3,000 liters of water daily, and urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project and maintain it.

“It’s a high-capacity borehole, fully functional, estimated to provide about 20,000 liters of water per day for this community.”

In his words of appreciation, the Chief of Kogo II in Bwari Area Council, Samuel Gimba, confirmed that the community used to go through hard times during the dry season and commended the group for “bringing life (water) to Kogo II,” adding that a truck of water from vendors previously cost a non-negotiable one thousand naira. “We are very happy that you came to give us life.”

Also, Mr. Timothy Yohana of Barangoni community, speaking in Pidgin English, expressed sincere gratitude to FORPS, pledging to ensure that the facilities are properly maintained for sustainable use.

“Before, we no get water. Na river we dey go fetch, and the place far. Now, we don get water inside house. The water go help us very well.”

The borehole project is expected to drastically reduce waterborne diseases, improve hygiene, and enhance the quality of life for residents in Kogo II and Barangoni communities of Bwari Area Council.

The question that lingers in the mind is: What do you think would happen if all schools embarked on life-changing community projects? Indeed, the world would be a better place.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji