By Melody Agwom Dauda
A two-day capacity-building training on Village-Level Operation and Maintenance of Solar-Powered Boreholes, organized by the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) with support from WaterAid Nigeria and DP World, has successfully concluded in Misau Local Government Area.
The training was designed to strengthen the sustainability of rural water supply schemes by equipping scheme operators and local artisans with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the effective management of solar-powered borehole facilities across rural communities.
A major highlight of the programme was a hands-on practical session conducted at a functional solar-powered borehole site. During the field exercise, facilitators provided real-time demonstrations on routine inspections, fault detection, troubleshooting techniques, basic repairs, safety precautions, and proper maintenance of solar panels, pumping systems, and water storage facilities.
The practical session enabled participants to apply classroom lessons in a real-life setting, ask technical questions, and gain confidence in independently handling borehole equipment, thereby enhancing their capacity to manage water facilities at the community level.
The training concluded with the distribution of essential working tools to selected participants representing their respective communities. The tools are expected to improve local response capacity by enabling trained operators and artisans to promptly address minor technical faults, reduce facility downtime, and ensure uninterrupted water supply.
Speaking at the close of the programme, a cross-section of participants expressed appreciation to RUWASSA and its development partners for the opportunity to acquire practical skills and receive operational tools. They described the training as impactful and empowering, noting that the blend of classroom instruction and field practice had adequately prepared them to sustain the water projects.
The participants pledged to effectively utilize the knowledge and resources provided, assuring that they would maintain and safeguard the solar-powered boreholes to ensure continuous access to safe and potable water in their communities.
The initiative underscores ongoing efforts by the Bauchi State Government and its partners to promote sustainability, community ownership, and effective management of rural water infrastructure across Bauchi State.
