Received funding from 2023 R8/HTB Community Support Program.
Country
Federal University of Technology Owerri SB SIGHT Group (SBA29081S)
Sustainable Development Goals
Summary
Umuokanne Community is located in Owerri West of Imo State, Nigeria. The community largely engages in farming as their main source of income. They do most of their farming during the rainy season, as they largely do not have the required facility to farm when the rains are gone. During the rainy season, water is usually not a big issue for the community, but the reverse is the case during the harmattan season when the rains are gone. Clean water for drinking is one major challenge the community is facing round the year. The community does not have a functional water supply system that can give them portable drinking water. This lack of portable drinking water usually results in illnesses associated with dirty water, such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid. This project will use solar energy to pump water using DC pump. An overhead water reservoir using affordable rubber water tanks will also be installed to help hold water during the evening and night hours when the pump is not in operation due to the absence of sun. The entire infrastructure will be installed at a location that is central and accessible. The facility will be managed by the community head who will take charge of any repairs through their usual house to house levy. The project will provide water for a considerable section of the community and thereby solving their immediate water need especially for drinking. the water generated can also be used for other purposes such as farming. The project will also provide minimum power storage for night light.
Impact
In Umuokanne village, a solar powered water reticulation system comprising of 8 panels, 3 large tanks and 6 water taps was installed to provide clean drinking water for 100 individuals and associated households in this village. Having easy access to clean water has had a big impact in this environment. The installation has also helped one farmer to be able to plant all year round.
Photos
