csrreporters 
Ebonyi NGO
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation, under its initiative, Strengthening Local Advocacy Against Climate Change (SLACC), has drilled a borehole in Ohatekwe Edda community in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Initiative is funded by the Independent Global Stocktake, Climate Works Foundation, and the West African Science Centre for Adapted Land Use (WASCAL).
Executive Director of the NGO, Dr Kelechukwu Okezie, said during the commissioning of the project at the weekend, that the completion and use of the borehole was a remarkable feat in the history of the community.
He observed that the borehole project became necessary to address the perennial water need of the predominantly agrarian community, and noted that the people have shown interest in conserving the existing forests and have contributed to mitigating the impact of climate change.
His words: “Today, we stand to fulfil a promise made to you to install a hand pump borehole in appreciation of your commitment to protecting your environment and contributing to climate change mitigation through tree planting.”
“This project is part of our efforts to enhance community resilience by strengthening local advocacy against climate change. This includes supporting local farmers and communities in adapting to climate variability and building community resilience to climate change,” he added.
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According to him, “our interventions, such as the training sessions, biogas installations, tree planting, and provision of a borehole, are designed to promote sustainable living and mitigate the impacts of climate change. We chose this community for this project because of your commitment to sustaining our initiatives over the years and because water is a felt need of the people. Also, your acceptance and care for our projects have been exemplary, demonstrating a strong sense of community ownership and responsibility.”
Dr. Okezie emphasised that community involvement also includes empowerment programs that would address the needs of the people and attract development to their local communities.
The Executive Director noted that the community’s acceptance of his group’s initiative helped shape the solutions tailored to address their unique challenges.
He said, “This level of engagement is essential for creating lasting impacts and ensuring that our projects are truly community-driven.
Water is life. As you drink and utilize water from this borehole, may it usher in good health, development and prosperity to this community.
When commissioning the project, the community leader, Chief Michael Udenwe, called on the Ebonyi State Government and other humanitarian organisations to emulate the NGO by continuing to offer help and support to the community.
In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of the community, Eze Godwin Nwankwegu appreciated the NGO for attracting the borehole to his community.
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