Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation Commissions Its First Solar-Powered Borehole in Kpere Community

Kpere Community, Kwali Area Council, FCT, Nigeria — Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation has officially commissioned its first community development project with the successful completion of a solar-powered borehole in Kpere Community, bringing reliable access to clean and safe drinking water to hundreds of residents after more than three decades of water scarcity.

The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to improve access to essential services in underserved rural communities across Nigeria.

A Milestone for the Community and the Foundation

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Founder and Trustee of Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation, Alhaji Sulaiman Adeyemi Andu, described the project as a defining moment for both the Foundation and the people of Kpere.

Addressing traditional rulers, community elders, women, youth, development partners, members of the press, and invited guests, he explained that the project was fully funded by BlueNest Limited as part of the company’s commitment to giving back to society through sustainable community development.

“This project represents more than the installation of a borehole,” he said. “It represents hope, dignity, improved health, and new opportunities for the people of Kpere.”

Why Kpere Was Selected

Before beginning its first intervention, Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation conducted comprehensive community assessments across several locations, including Keffi, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Mpape, Lugbe, and Kpere, to identify communities with the greatest need.

While every community presented genuine challenges, Kpere stood out because of the severity of its water crisis.

For over 30 years, residents depended on seasonal streams and shallow wells that frequently dried up during the dry season. Many households resorted to treating water with alum before use, while women and children spent hours each day walking long distances in search of water.

“Our assessment showed that Kpere had the most urgent need and offered the opportunity for immediate, life-changing impact,” Andu explained.

Beyond the statistics, the Foundation was inspired by the resilience, hospitality, and determination of the people.

“Thirty years is a long time to wait for something as fundamental as clean water. That is why today is so important.”

Creating Sustainable Impact

The Foundation emphasized that the success of the project will not be measured by the commissioning ceremony alone but by its long-term sustainability.

To ensure this, Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation has established a five-year monitoring and evaluation framework for the borehole.

The sustainability plan includes:

• A trained Community Water Committee responsible for daily operation and maintenance.
• Quarterly technical inspections during the first two years.
• Biannual inspections from the third through the fifth year.
• Continuous monitoring of water quality, pump performance, and usage levels.
• Measurement of key social impact indicators, including household access to clean water, reductions in water collection time, school attendance, and trends in water-related illnesses.

“Our responsibility does not end today,” Andu said. “We are committed to ensuring that this project continues to serve the community for many years to come. Accountability is at the heart of everything we do.”

A Partnership with the Community

The Foundation expressed appreciation to the traditional leaders, community representatives, women, youth, and residents of Kpere for their cooperation throughout the planning and implementation process.

The Village Head, Mr. Bako, thanked Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation and BlueNest Limited for bringing clean water to the community after decades of hardship.

He assured the Foundation that the community would take ownership of the project and ensure that the facility is properly maintained for future generations.

“The people of Kpere are grateful,” he said. “This project belongs to the community, and we will protect it.”

Looking Ahead

The commissioning attracted goodwill messages from community leaders, development partners, members of the Kings College Old Boys Association (1991 Set), traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, all of whom commended the Foundation for its commitment to sustainable rural development.

As its first completed project, the Kpere Solar-Powered Borehole represents the beginning of a broader mission to expand access to clean water, improve living conditions, and support sustainable development in underserved communities across Nigeria.

Aqua and Shelter Help Foundation remains committed to working with governments, development partners, corporate organizations, and individuals who share its vision of transforming lives through practical and lasting solutions.

As Alhaji Sulaiman Adeyemi Andu concluded during the ceremony:

“Water is life. We are honoured that the Foundation’s first borehole project is here in Kpere, and we look forward to bringing similar interventions to many more communities across Nigeria.”