Nigerian Navy inaugurates solar-powered water projects in Kano community

The Nigerian Navy on Saturday inaugurated three solar-powered borehole projects in Gaya town in Kano to improve access to potable water and community development.

The projects, located at Gaya UMC, Kofar Gabari and Alawa communities, were executed under the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scheme is in honour of Rear Adm. Aliyu Ahmad-Gaya (rtd.).

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, said the facilities comprised 11-metre-high water towers, 52,000-litre water storage tanks, control rooms and guard rooms.

Abbas was represented by the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Adm. Pakiribo Anabraba.

He said the projects demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that had a direct and positive impact on lives of Nigerians.

According to him, national security extends beyond the protection of territorial integrity and maritime interests to ensuring that communities have their basic needs addressed.

“National security also stands when communities are empowered, basic needs are addressed and citizens are given the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and productive environments.

“The provision of safe and reliable water is fundamental to human wellbeing and socio-economic development.

“It contributes directly to improved public health and sanitation, supports educational activities and creates a more conducive environment for households and community activities,” he said.

He commended Ahmad-Gaya for identifying the water needs of his community and utilising the opportunity provided by the scheme to secure the intervention.

“This project demonstrates that leadership is most meaningful when it translates into tangible benefits for the people and communities within our society,” he said.

Abbas reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to civil-military cooperation and initiatives that contributed to national development, peace and social cohesion.

He said, although the primary mandate of the navy remained defence of Nigeria’s maritime interests and national security, the service would continue to support initiatives that positively impacted lives of Nigerians.

Earlier, Ahmad-Gaya said the provision of potable water was fundamental to human dignity, public health and community development.

He said the solar-powered boreholes were practical interventions aimed at reducing the hardship faced by residents in accessing water for domestic and other essential needs.

He said the projects also represented the navy’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with civil communities.

According to him, national security cannot be achieved through military operations alone, but also through mutual trust, understanding and cooperation between the armed forces and the civil population.

“When the military is able to positively impact the lives of citizens, it creates an atmosphere of goodwill, confidence and partnership.

“This intervention is therefore an important demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to people-oriented civil-military cooperation,” he said.

He noted that the solar-powered nature of the projects would reduce dependence on electricity and ensure relatively low operational costs.

Ahmad-Gaya urged the Gaya Local Government Council and residents to take full ownership of the facilities, protect them from vandalism and ensure their proper maintenance.

He expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government, Gaya Local Government Authority, Gaya Emirate Council and other stakeholders for their support and hospitality.

The Emir of Gaya, Dr Aliyu Abdulkadir, represented by the Dan Galadiman Gaya, Alhaji Abdullahi Nayaya, thanked Ahmad-Gaya for the intervention, describing him as a “son of the soil”.

Abdulkadir said the projects would significantly improve the lives of ordinary residents, particularly in communities that had long experienced challenges in accessing hygienic water.

He said the locations selected for the projects were among areas where residents faced water challenges. (NAN)