From ABBAS GUNGURA, Bauchi
SENATOR representing Bauchi South Senatorial Zone and 2027 governorship hopeful under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Shehu Buba, has brought relief to residents of Unity Estate in Bauchi metropolis by addressing their perennial water scarcity.
This intervention was made possible through the Halaty Community Development Initiative (HCDI), which facilitated access to potable drinking water for the estate after years of hardship.
The NIGERIA STANDARD gathered that the estate’s main borehole had long broken down, leaving families dependent on costly water vendors and unsafe sources.
This situation exposed residents—especially children—to serious health and hygiene risks.
Concerned by the suffering, HCDI mobilised the community and presented the issue to Senator Shehu Buba. In swift response, the senator directed the repair of the borehole system, restoring steady water flow across households.
Speaking on behalf of residents, the Secretary of Unity Estate Residents Association, Mr Temidayo, described the intervention as a huge relief.
“Water is life, and without it, life in this estate had become very difficult. Many of us were struggling to provide water for our families daily, but with this intervention, things have improved, and we are deeply grateful,” he said.
Women, who bore the brunt of the shortage, also expressed joy. Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, a resident, said: “Before now, I used to wake up before dawn to fetch water or buy from vendors at high cost. Now, with water restored, life is easier for our families. We are grateful to those who made it possible.”
Another resident, Mrs Gladys Michael, added: “It was the women who suffered the most. We had to wake up very early, walk long distances, and still spend much money before we got little water. With this intervention, water is now restored, our lives are easier, and our children are healthier.”
Development experts note that this restoration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. It also supports other SDGs, including poverty reduction (SDG 1), good health (SDG 3) and quality education (SDG 4).