BY PATRICK MGBODO
Four Rotary Clubs in Asaba have stepped in to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene at Afadia College, Asaba, in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The move, which aims at promoting a healthier learning environment and curbing the spread of waterborne diseases among students, is in line with Rotary International’s seven areas of focus: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Asaba Citadel, Rotary Club of Asaba Downtown, Rotary Club of Asaba Metropolitan, and the Rotary Club of Asaba GRA, the project saw the renovation of a water borehole, water systems and the donation of a water storage tank to the school.
While commissioning the project, the District Governor of Rotary International (District 9141), Rtn Anthony Woghiren, commended the four clubs for the project, stressing the importance of water and its access for improved hygiene.
Rtn Woghiren charged the school management and the students to maintain the project as a way of reciprocity, stressing that Rotary Clubs would be inspired to do more when existing projects are appreciated.
He specially commended an intending Rotarian, Lovelyn Yusuf, for being able to attract the project to Afadia College, even as he charged the clubs to explore solar options in ensuring the sustainability of the project.
Responding, the Principal of Afadia College, Mrs Bridget Okpu, thanked the Rotary Clubs for the project, even as she urged them not to relent in their humanitarian endeavours.
However, she seized the opportunity to draw the attention of the District Governor to some of the areas needing intervention, to include the provision of more toilets, more classroom chairs and tables and a set of drums.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Presidents, the President of the Rotary Club of Asaba Citadel, Rtn Lilian Onunkwo, said the project was conceived after a Needs assessment was conducted, which prompted the clubs to intervene in ensuring access to water in the college.
‘’We noticed that the students are having difficulties with access to water. Before now, there was no way to store water, so the students fetched the water directly as it was being pumped. We also noticed that the toilet system was in a mess, and the laboratories didn’t have access to clean water.
‘’So, we thought that it would be a wise decision for the clubs to come together and do something, no matter how small. Therefore, we decided to donate an extra storage tank and also expanded the taps’’ she said.
Remarking, the Chairman of the Afadia College Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr Johnson Nwankwo, described the project as praiseworthy, noting that it has helped to create a more conducive learning environment for the students.
Also, the Interact President of Afadia College, Emmanuel Ejiofor, on behalf of the students, thanked the Rotary Clubs for the intervention, even as he promised that they will ensure its maintenance.
