By Abbas Nazil
For the first time in over three decades, residents of Yanfiki, a rural community in Kano State, now have access to clean and safe drinking water following the installation of a solar-powered borehole system.
The life-changing project, delivered by the BATN Foundation, was recently inaugurated amid celebration by hundreds of community members, government officials, and traditional leaders.
The new facility comprises a 20,000-litre water tank, five dispensing taps, four 400-watt solar panels, a submersible pump, a manual hand pump, and a protective perimeter fence.
Designed to run entirely on renewable energy, the system was implemented not only to provide water but also to promote sustainability.
Nasiru Wada, a Board Director of the BATN Foundation, stated that the use of solar power reflects the Foundation’s alignment with broader environmental goals.
“Through the deployment of this solar-powered borehole, we are not only ensuring clean water access but also promoting eco-friendly renewable energy solutions,” Wada said.
Before the intervention, the people of Yanfiki struggled daily with severe water scarcity. Residents were forced to buy water at rates as high as N100 per jerrycan, often for water that was unsafe for consumption.
“Sometimes we hid the water from visitors because it was too dirty to offer them. Today, we have water, and not just water, but clean water, right here in our village,” said Mallam Abdullahi Garuba, a visibly emotional resident, during the commissioning of the project.
The project’s unveiling was led by the Kano State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Doguwa, who commended the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding rural infrastructure and improving basic services.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Water in Kano, Yusif Inuwa, praised the project’s technical quality and thanked the BATN Foundation for its timely intervention.
Other notable attendees included the Foundation’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya; Project Manager, Adetola Oniyelu; and Zonal Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Abdulraheem Mudashi.
During the inauguration, representatives of the BATN Foundation urged the community to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.
“This is your project. Own it. Maintain it. Let it serve not just you, but your children and grandchildren,” a representative declared.
They further appealed to the residents to safeguard the facility and ensure that it contributes to the long-term health and education of the community.
“Let no child skip school again because of water. Let no mother fear sickness from dirty streams.”
The successful installation of the solar-powered borehole marks a transformative moment for Yanfiki, providing not just a vital resource but a symbol of hope, dignity, and sustainable development for rural communities in Nigeria.