BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of Anioma people. Focused on addressing the basic needs of his constituents, the Senator has set out an ambitious plan to implement life-changing projects across the region. One of his flagship initiatives is the provision of clean, potable water to communities in Delta North, an area where access to water has long been a challenge.
In line with his goal, Senator Nwoko has embarked on providing solar-powered water boreholes to several communities in the region. Two communities have already benefited from this initiative: Umunede in Ika North East and Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North. The solar-powered boreholes were inaugurated in December 2024 and have since been a lifeline for the residents of these areas.
During a visit to the two water projects, Dr. Michael Nwoko, the Chief of Staff to Senator Ned Nwoko, shared the positive impact these water projects have had on the communities. He emphasized that the new water systems had significantly reduced the struggle for access to potable water, which has long been a problem in the region.
At Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North, Dr. Michael explained that water scarcity had been a persistent challenge for many years. The community, which is located in a topographical area that makes it difficult to source water, had been struggling with the issue for generations.
With the installation of the solar-powered borehole, the community’s water woes have been solved. “The borehole is powered by renewable energy, so neither the community members nor the Senator will have to worry about the cost of fuel or diesel to power generators,” Dr. Michael stated. “This project is a key part of the Senator’s efforts to provide clean and potable water to the people of Delta North. It will be replicated in other communities across the region.”
The success of the project in Idumuje-Ugboko is mirrored in Umunede, where the solar-powered borehole has also been in use since December 2024. According to Dr. Michael, the people of Umunede, who had previously struggled to find water, are now experiencing a significant improvement in their daily lives.
“Anytime we come here, they are always full of joy,” Dr. Michael shared, noting the overwhelming gratitude expressed by the community members for the Senator’s intervention. “Water is a basic necessity, and Senator Nwoko’s humanitarian nature has driven him to prioritize this project for his people,” Dr. Michael noted.
The introduction of the solar-powered boreholes has been warmly received by the residents of both communities, who have expressed their deep appreciation for the Senator’s efforts.
In Idumuje-Ugboko, Mrs. Dorathy Agalim, a community member, recounted the community’s long history of water scarcity. “We have suffered for water for many years until Senator Nwoko provided this borehole for us. Before now, we had to buy water for N500 per gallon. But now, we get water for free,” she said, her face beaming with joy.
Mrs. Agalim further detailed the hardships the community faced in sourcing water before the borehole. “We used to go to the stream at 4 a.m. and trek up a hill with buckets to fetch water. Sometimes, we would climb the hill up to eight times to get enough water. What Senator Nwoko has done for us is a great relief. May God bless him. We will continue to support him.”
Similarly, Chief Amos Okonuwa Onyeagwu, the Akinuwa of Umunede Kingdom, also praised the Senator for his timely intervention. “Water scarcity has been a long-standing problem for us. There are no streams or rivers here, and we had to travel as far as Mbiri to get water, especially during the dry season. Thanks to Senator Nwoko’s project, we no longer have to face these challenges,” he said. “Water is life, and we are very happy. We will continue to pray for Senator Nwoko that good things will always follow him.”
Senator Ned Nwoko’s initiative is a testament to his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the people of Delta North. The provision of solar-powered boreholes in Umunede and Idumuje-Ugboko is just the beginning, and the Senator has promised to extend the project to other communities in the region. His vision of providing clean and accessible water to every household in Delta North is a clear reflection of his leadership and commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
