Restoring Water Supply- Community-led Water Purification and Distribution Projects in Azaraegbelu

Restoring Water Supply: Community-led Water Prification and Distribution Projects in Azaraegbelu

- A Solution Journalism Report by AMARACHI ADIMUKO and STANLEY AKALONU

Nigeria is presently facing water stress as a result of climate change, limited water source, and old amenities. The combination of these factors has led the country to experience a 20% reduction in available water per capita per day.

Communities can take charge of providing safe and reliable water for their members, especially where government or large-scale infrastructure may fall short. This often involves local initiatives that use simple, cost-effective methods to purify and distribute water. This approach promotes sustainability, resilience, and empowerment, as it enables communities to address water needs through localized solutions.

Access to clean and safe water remains a fundamental necessity for communities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. In response to water scarcity and the need for sustainable solutions, a solar-powered borehole project was initiated to provide a reliable water supply to the people of Azaraegbelu; a village in Azara-Ubo Emekekuku, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

The solar-powered borehole project was launched in 2022 as a donation by Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezianya; through one of the illustrious sons of Azaraegbelu, Hon. Donald Anyanwu who was also the supervisor of the project. The project aims to address the long-standing water challenges faced by the community, ensuring access to potable water while promoting renewable energy solutions.

The President General of Azaraegbelu community, Mr. Chukwuemeka Solomon Oluharaotu, in an interview during the course of the report, highlighted the events that led to the initiation of the project and it's impacts on the community.

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Architect Chibuzor Opara, the central Youth president of Azaraegbelu Noted the changes in the community in terms of water supply and consumption, narrating a personal experience. He also mentioned that the water is neat and safe for consumption.

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A community member of Azaraegbelu, Mr. Anselem Nnamdi Uregbuo, commended the initiator of the project and concurred that the borehole is neat and safe for drinking, he also noted that this kind of project was equally carried out in other neighboring communities in Azara-Ubo Emekekuku.

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Another member of the community, Mrs. Ngozi Obinna Isiguzo, expressed her satisfaction with the project noting it’s impact on the community.

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The President General of Azaraegbelu community Mr. Chukwuemeka Solomon Oluharaotu, noted that they’ve not experienced any challenges with the project so far, he also mentioned that the project is self maintained, as it pumps by itself and also that it can’t be vandalized because his people are disciplined.

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Although, this particular project is not a community led project but the people also carried out a similar project in response to a problem that would have arose due to the Federal road dualization; as it has made it difficult and dangerous for community dwellers whose houses are on the other side of the road to cross over and fetch water. The President General narrating his personal experience noted that the community, through his administration decided to revitalize a borehole donated to them over two decades ago by one of their daughters and even converted it to a solar powered borehole.

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The Azaraegbelu community’s approach demonstrates valuable insight into sustainable problem-solving at the grassroots level. By choosing solar energy to power the borehole, they found a way to avoid ongoing costs and operational challenges associated with fuel and electric pumps. The collective contribution model also reveals the power of community solidarity and the resourcefulness of community-led projects in meeting essential needs when public services fall short.

While the solar powered borehole provides a reliable solution, there are limitations to consider. The project relies on consistent sunlight to power the solar pump, which may present challenges during the rainy season or prolonged cloudy days but in response to this challenge, the leadership of Azaraegbelu community did not entirely convert the old borehole to solar powered borehole, they did it in such a way that the water can also be pumped using electricity or generator during the rainy season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) In January 2025, the African Region reported 17,644 new cholera cases across 11 countries, marking a 13% decrease from December 2024. The majority of cases were reported from South Sudan (10 833), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3853), Angola (1081), Nigeria (786), and Ghana (675).

 Therefore, the immediate impact of this initiative is evident as all community members now have access to clean, safe drinking water, reducing health hazards associated with the previous contaminated river water. Health improvements, such as fewer waterborne illnesses, along with greater satisfaction among residents who no longer need to fetch or buy clean water, serve as measurable indicators of success for the community’s efforts.

This report is brought to you by Omalicha Radio 91.1FM owerri, Supported by Nigeria HEALTHWATCH.