…first major development project in 28yrs
In a landmark initiative, the European Union (EU), in collaboration with Search for Common Ground, is set to launch a solar-powered water and sanitation project in Igbikisikila-ama, addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits in the community.
The Intervention follows a December 2023 investigative report by National Point, which shed light on the dire conditions in Igbikisikila-ama, including inadequate toilet facilities, lack of clean water, recurrent flooding, and the prevalence of crude oil theft and illegal refining—factors that have contributed to the area’s economic downturn.
Despite its persistent challenges, the community has not benefited from any government-led development projects since 1997. The EU-backed initiative aims to provide sustainable access to clean water and proper sanitation, offering much-needed relief to residents who have endured years of neglect.
Community leaders and residents have welcomed the project, expressing hope that it will mark the beginning of broader development efforts in the region.
The project, scheduled to commence this year, aims to install solar-powered toilets and boreholes across the community’s eight sub-communities: Ngofaka-polo, Ala-polo, deinma-polo, Belema-polo, ibetein-polo, Tari-polo, pere-polo and setari-polo. A stakeholders’ assembly was recently held to ensure grassroots participation and inclusivity in selecting suitable locations for these much-needed infrastructures.
Present at the assembly were key community leaders, including chairpersons-Bishop Igbiks, Igbikisikialama Ama Chairman, Clement Akpambo, Polo Chairmen, Setari Polo, women’s representatives, youth leaders, and other residents. They accompanied Search for Common Ground representatives on a tour of potential sites for the project, expressing strong support for the initiative.
The chairman of Igbikisikila-ama, Rt Rev Jeremiah Igbisk on how he feels about the project and what sustainability mechanism he’ll put in place to safeguard the project, said, “I’ll really say it’s a project we really wanted, a project like this because as I’ve earlier said, since 1999 and since the dispensation of this democracy, we’ve not gotten any projects, so if search is coming to give us such project, I think we are very happy and we appreciated it, we are waiting for it, the project will not die because we know how important it is, you know, we buy a Jerry can of water for N150 and if this project is cited, we will maintain it, we will appoint somebody to take care of it because it is a community project. We will sell it a little and use whatever thing to make sure we maintain it.”
Mr. Jik Williams, Chairman of the Igbikisikila-ama Elders’ Council, lauded the project as a long-awaited breakthrough for the community.
“I want to thank Search for Common Ground for choosing Igbikisikila-ama for this laudable project. For the first time in decades, we are seeing a positive step towards development. This project signifies hope for our people, and we fully support its peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta,” he said.
Given the history of vandalism and infrastructure neglect in the region, stakeholders pledged to protect the project from destruction. Mr. Alabo, Chairman of Setari Polo, assured that security measures would be put in place.
“Since 1990s, we have not had any government-initiated projects. This is a golden opportunity, and we will do everything possible to safeguard it from vandals,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, the community’s youth president, Mr. Tamine Tamunotoye, emphasized the role of young people in ensuring the project’s success.
“As youths, we are the driving force of the community. We have vigilante groups in place, and I personally guarantee that the security of this borehole project will be 100% protected. Our mothers, sisters, and children depend on this, and we will not allow any harm to come to it,” he affirmed.
For many women in the community, the project is a long-overdue relief. Mrs. Rachel Woseye, Women Leader of Ala-Polo Community, expressed her joy.
“Water is a basic necessity, yet we have been buying 20 liters of water at a high cost for years. This borehole project is truly a blessing. We cannot thank Search for Common Ground enough. This is the first real development we’ve seen since the 1990s, and we pray for even more support for this initiative,” she said.
With stakeholders firmly committed to the project’s success, the initiative marks a new chapter for Igbikisikila-ama. The solar-powered toilets and boreholes are expected to significantly improve sanitation and access to clean water, fostering better health and overall well-being in the community.
As preparations move forward, residents eagerly await the transformation that this development promises to bring.
