Residents of Baruwa in the Ipaja area of Lagos State heaved a sigh of relief on Sunday as a clean water borehole project was inaugurated in the community, ending years of struggle with unsafe and unreliable water supply.
The facility, located at Eleshinmogun Street, Baruwa-Ipaja, is equipped with a modern pumping system and storage tanks, with capacity to supply over 10,000 litres of potable water daily. Community members described the intervention as “life-changing,” noting that it would ease the burden of women and children who previously walked long distances or depended on expensive water vendors.
The project, sponsored by the Dr. Segun Musa Foundation, drew community leaders, residents, and supporters, who commended the gesture as a complement to government’s efforts in addressing social needs at the grassroots.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Segun Musa, said the initiative was inspired by the need to provide sustainable solutions to communities facing developmental challenges. He stressed that corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals have a responsibility to partner with government in bridging infrastructure gaps.
“For every organisation operating and yielding profits, it behoves them to give back to society. Government cannot do it all alone. Where communities are in need and our capacity can meet those needs, we see it as our responsibility to step in,” he said.
Dr. Musa disclosed that two additional boreholes would soon be provided in Baruwa, with similar projects planned for Ogun, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He urged residents to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its maintenance and safeguarding it for the benefit of all.
Traditional and community leaders also lauded the project. The Baale of Fatade Ajelanwa Baruwa, High Chief Maroof Amoo-Fatade, said clean water had been a long-time need of the community, noting that government pipelines were often contaminated.
“Before now, we relied on water vendors who brought water from far distances, and residents spent heavily to meet daily needs. With this borehole, our people are relieved from that burden,” the Baale said.
Chairman of the Itesiwaju Community Development Area (CDA), Mr. Gani Aina, praised the intervention, describing it as a boost to community health and welfare. He noted that the project would “reduce the burden on women and children, improve living standards, and strengthen community resilience.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Omidiora, a resident and businesswoman, said families typically spent about N1,000 every three days to buy water from vendors. She expressed gratitude for the project, calling it a demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
“This is what God expects from those He blesses, extending a hand of love and fellowship to others. We pray for more of such interventions,” she added.
The Baruwa-Ipaja borehole project stands as part of ongoing efforts by both government and private stakeholders to promote access to clean water, reduce health risks associated with unsafe sources, and improve overall community well-being.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo