In a bid to deepen health and sanitation practices, Guinness Nigeria Plc and WaterAid Nigeria have partnered to construct two solar-powered water facilities in Gwam, Ningi Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
The Guinness Nigeria/WaterAid Gwam water facility, which was formally unveiled at a colourful ceremony, is one of two major water schemes which the brewing giant has delivered this year.
The projects were carried out in collaboration with its international NGO partners, and the 34th site for the Guinness Nigeria, Water of Life initiative in Nigeria.
The Gwam water scheme — which comprises two solar-powered boreholes and two blocks of toilets — will benefit about 20,000 people.
According to a statement on Monday in Lagos, Guinness Nigeria’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr Sesan Sobowale, restated the company’s commitment to initiatives that improve access to safe water.
“Guinness Nigeria will continue to play a leading role to promote water stewardship in Nigeria, while thanking Water Aid for its transformational work in promoting health and hygiene in the country.
“Diageo’s water blueprint articulates the role we will play as a business to tackle a wide range of water-related issues both in Nigeria and globally.
“In furtherance of this blueprint, Guinness Nigeria has prioritised interventions that improve access to safe water, especially in communities that face acute water scarcity.
“We have also invested in technologies that help us to manage our water use.
“The construction of the Gwam water scheme is in furtherance of our efforts to help more Nigerians to access clean drinking water,’’ the statement said.
It said that by improving access to clean water, the company could help people in Gwam community to improve their hygiene and overall wellbeing.
The statement said that at the projects inauguration, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Ghali Abdulhameed, expressed the state government’s gratitude for water scheme.
It also observed that the water facility would support the state government’s drive to improve health and hygiene.
“This intervention is indeed commendable. Water is an absolutely essential resource that is vital for the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
“We, the people of Bauchi State are therefore delighted that Guinness Nigeria and Water Aid have joined forces to improve access to safe water in our state.
“We are immensely grateful for this intervention,’’ it quoted Abdulhameed as saying.
Also, WaterAid’s International Chief Executive, Ms Barbara Frost, underscored the organisation’s vision to help to create a world where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
“It is great to see that Bauchi State Government, Guinness Nigeria and WaterAid are working collaboratively to tackle the challenge of water scarcity in the state.
“I would like to thank the government of for creating a conducive environment that has enabled WaterAid to implement its programmes.
“WaterAid will continue to partner various stakeholders in Nigeria to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation,’’ the statement quoted her as saying.
Guinness had executed similar water projects in the Adigbe area of Ogun and in 10 communities across three local government areas of Cross River.
In February this year, Guinness Nigeria announced that in furtherance of its flagship, “Water of Life’’ scheme, it would partner with WaterAid Nigeria and Oxfam, NGOs, to improve access to safe water in communities that face severe water scarcity. (NAN)