By Emamuzo Iboma
After more than three decades of enduring water scarcity, the people of Yanfiki in Kano State are now celebrating a long-awaited transformation. For years, residents trekked long distances and paid exorbitant prices for water that was often unsafe for consumption.
“Sometimes we hid the water from visitors because it was too dirty to share,” said Mallam Abdullahi Garuba, a longtime resident. “Today, we have clean water right here in our village, and it’s a miracle.”
On June 24, 2025, that miracle became a reality as the BATN Foundation officially commissioned a solar-powered, 20,000-litre water facility in Yanfiki. With five new taps now dispensing clean, safe water, the development marks a significant improvement in the community’s quality of life.
The commissioning drew hundreds of villagers—men, women, and children—who gathered in joyful celebration. Cheers, dancing, and prayers filled the air as water flowed freely for the first time in living memory. Beyond the infrastructure, the moment represented the fulfilment of a decades-long dream.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, who commended the Foundation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rural development. Also present were Engineer Yusif M. Inuwa, Director of Water, traditional leaders including Hashimu Sulaiman of Gari and Wakili Bashir Wada representing the Magajin Garin Kano, and representatives from BATN Foundation, local authorities, and the media.
Alhaji Nasiru Wada, a Board Director of the BATN Foundation, stressed the importance of environmentally sustainable solutions. “This solar-powered borehole not only provides clean water but also promotes renewable energy that supports our climate goals,” he said.
The facility features four 400W solar panels, a water management kiosk, five dispensing taps, a submersible pump, a manual hand pump for overcast days, and a protective fence. Yet, the true success of the project lies in the sense of ownership it has instilled in the community.
“This is your project,” Foundation representatives told the villagers. “Own it, maintain it, and let it serve generations to come. No child should miss school because of water shortages. No mother should fear illness from contaminated streams.”
By the close of the ceremony, a local water committee had been formed to manage and sustain the facility. Elders offered blessings at the taps, children played in delight, and women expressed deep relief after decades of hardship.
“We never thought this would happen in our lifetime,” said Mallam Abdullahi. “Today, Allah has blessed Yanfiki, and we are forever grateful.”
The ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting, heartfelt prayers, and a renewed commitment to preserve this vital resource. The project reflects the BATN Foundation’s broader mission to uplift rural communities, enhance health and environmental resilience, and support sustainable development across Nigeria.
