Improving Access to Clean Water and Sanitation in Umuahia Ohekelem


Received funding from 2023 R8/HTB Community Support Program.

Country

Federal University of Technology Owerri SB SIGHT Group (SBA29081S)

Sustainable Development Goals

Summary

The proposed solar-powered water scheme is aimed at improving access to clean and portable water in Umuahia Ohekelem locality. The need for improved access to clean water is necessary to human well-being. This is because notable well-being indicators (good food, sanitation and hygiene) are predicated on the availability of water. For the proposed project, a solar energy-powered water scheme is proposed to replace an abandoned old water borehole that was powered generator which is no longer in functional. In plain terms, there is an existing water well that was in use before. The problem with the old water was the village could not fund the procurement of new generator and replace the leaking tanks. Now, the well will be rehabilitated, and a solar-energy compatible pump will be installed on it. In addition, new tanks will be procured and mounted. Also, other parts of the water scheme will be overhauled. The project location is Umuahia Ohekelem. Umuahia is a village in Ohekelem, which is an autonomous community in Imo State, Nigeria. There is an abundant underground water reserve in the entire vicinity. Generally, the underground water reserve in Ngor Okpala is clean and safe for drinking. The project group will be using energy from the solar panels (when the water pump is not in operation) to drive a mini cassava flour plant, to always make effective use of the energy.