By Abdullahi Lukman
Residents of Dutsepe community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have regained access to safe drinking water following the rehabilitation and commissioning of a 40,000-litre solar-powered borehole by the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
The borehole, which had been abandoned and non-functional for about 15 years despite being a government project, was restored through funds raised by the club with additional support from LCIF. The intervention followed a needs assessment that identified inadequate access to potable water as one of the community’s most pressing challenges.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, President of the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club, Lion Hadiza Abutu-Ibrahim, said the project was the club’s signature humanitarian intervention for the 2025/2026 service year.
She explained that the assessment revealed that women and children trekked long distances daily and relied on water vendors for their household needs, prompting the club to intervene.
According to her, the club raised about N9 million locally, while LCIF provided additional funding to complete the rehabilitation. She added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the community’s district head to ensure proper maintenance of the facility through a community monitoring committee, while members of the Lions Club would carry out routine inspections.
Representing the District Governor, Second Vice District Governor, Lion Charlz Opusunju, said the project was selected after a comprehensive assessment confirmed that access to clean water was a critical need in Dutsepe.
He said providing potable water remained one of the club’s priorities because of its direct impact on health and quality of life, noting that Lions Clubs always conduct needs assessments before executing community projects.
Charter President and Past District Governor, Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, described the rehabilitated borehole as a lasting symbol of the club’s humanitarian service. She disclosed that the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club has constructed or rehabilitated 10 boreholes in underserved communities across the FCT, including Kado and Tunga Maje, over the past 16 years.
She added that the club had established a sustainability plan that includes maintenance visits every six months, while designated community representatives would promptly report any faults requiring repairs.
Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. Joshua Musa, who commissioned the project, commended the Lions Club for addressing one of the community’s most essential needs. He pledged the council’s support for future humanitarian initiatives aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
The District Head of Dutsepe, His Royal Highness Shawo James, expressed appreciation to the Lions Club and assured that the community would protect the facility. He said a committee would oversee the operation and maintenance of the borehole to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Project Team, Lion Udo Udo Nse, said the intervention was driven by reports linking poor access to clean water with hygiene and public health concerns. He assured residents that the club would continue to monitor the facility in collaboration with community leaders to guarantee its continued functionality.
