By Fred Odu & Austin Oyibode,
The people of Idumuje Ugboko in Aniocha North and Umunede in Ika North East Local Government Areas of Delta State erupted in joy on Wednesday as Senator Ned Nwoko commissioned solar-powered boreholes to tackle decades-long water scarcity.
The Umunede project will serve households in Idumu Isiokwe, Idumu Oroh, Egwuechime, Umu Obi, and New Road, while Idumuje Ugboko residents also gained access to clean and safe water through the initiative.
“This has not been easy for us to get water over the years. I am here to appreciate Senator Nwoko for providing clean water for us,” said Miss Augusta Agwumaro, a resident of Umunede. Community leader and Akinuwa of Umunede Kingdom, Chief Amos Onyeagwu, added, “Water is life. Our problem has been water over the years. Today, water is now here with us through the efforts of our distinguished Senator.”
Senator Nwoko, who facilitated the project under the 2024 Federal Appropriation Bill, described clean water as a basic necessity that should not be lacking in any community. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Nwoko, he stressed: “The basic commodity that should be provided for people is water. It’s quite unfortunate that we live in a society where there has been acute scarcity of water, common in Delta North.”
Executed by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), the projects are designed for sustainability, with local indigenes trained to maintain the solar-powered systems. Unlike diesel-driven boreholes, the solar facilities are cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Beyond boreholes, Senator Nwoko has also facilitated major water projects including the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, now 80% complete, and the Aniofu Dam in Aniocha North, with both expected to provide comprehensive water solutions. He is also pushing for smart irrigation systems under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen food security in Delta North.
Community leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Samuel Ekene Kerry, APC Chairman for Ika North East, and Hon. Dr. Olufemi Adekanbi, Managing Director of BORBDA, lauded Nwoko’s dedication to his people, describing him as “a performing Senator” whose zeal for development continues to transform Delta North.
