…Communities Excited, Assure To Safeguard Projects
By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
In its usual efforts to ameliorate water scarcities faced by rural and hard-to-reach communities, a U.S. based non governmental organization Hope Springs International in collaboration with its Nigerian counterpart; Servants of Hope Initiative, has handed over three motorized boreholes to Jessu and Silon communities of Balanga Local Government Area in Gombe State.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony in the two communities, the President Hope Springs International Lee Hodges, said the gesture was meant to bring succour to the communities battling with decades-long water issues, tame water related diseases and improve health standards.
Represented by the organization’s Director of Operations in Africa, Barrister Rambi lbrahim Ayala, Mr Lee detached the projects from politics, maintaining that NGO’s activities are solely meant for humanity.
While noting that government alone cannot shoulder all responsibilities of its citizens, the president said “We encourage well meaning individuals, groups and associations to invest in people who are in need of these basic amenities. By so doing we can be able to lift more people and communities out of water, health or education related issues”.
He equally encouraged members of the benefitting communities to take ownership of the projects.
“As we spent huge amounts in bringing these projects to life, we hope to see your commitments in maintaining and safeguarding them for the benefit of not only this generation but also the ones unborn. We can acknowledge your appreciation by how you manage and safeguard the projects”.
The director assured that when the projects are properly handled, the organization will look into possibilities to upgrade them from motorize to submersible in the near future.
Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, the District Head of Fitilai Mr Abeji James Chachi and that of Jessu Mr Laban Binus represented by Aminuddeen Mika, appreciated Hope Springs International for coming to their aid at the most critical moment when water is more than a gold.
“We spent decades yearning for water, but without a promise or commitment, Hope Springs International has wiped out our their tears, we lack words to describe our happiness, may God the creator of heavens reward you abundantly”.
The traditional leaders assured to take ownership of the projects to benefit this and the unborn generations.
On their parts, the Galadiman Silon Philibus Dabwan, Ward Head of Silon Lincoln Mairiga and other community members commended Barrister Rambi Ayala for his love and commitment to humanity, calling on individuals, political office holders and organizations to copy from his personality and the gestures of Hope Springs International.
Special prayers for God guidance, encouragement and prosperity were observed in the two communities, led by Reverend John Tati.
Out of the three boreholes, two were provided in Jessu and one Silon.
It could be recalled that the organization has recently organized a weeklong medical and dental outreach in four communities of Balanga and Ɓilliri local government areas, with the intervention coming to its peak with eye surgery for over 75 patients.
Hope Springs International is known for its humanitarian services to rural communities in the areas of health, education and water supply.