Since the eruption of violence in October 2002, disrupting the peace of Gassa—a community nestled in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State—the approximately 10,000 residents have struggled to recover from the harrowing incident.
The trauma inflicted by the attack, coupled with the absence of basic infrastructure and the scarcity of potable water for household use, has left indelible scars on the residents. However, a recent intervention by the Victims Support Fund (VSF) in the area of water, sanitation, and hygiene has sparked jubilation among the people.
On a recent Tuesday, the VSF generously donated a 4,000-litre solar-powered borehole to the community, eliciting joyous celebrations among the populace.
Women and girls, who traditionally bear the burden of fetching water for household chores, led the chorus of gratitude towards the organization. Youth and community leaders hailed the singular gesture as a significant milestone, heralding the resolution of one of their most pressing challenges.
Martha Boyi, a prominent woman leader, expressed, “Before now, we couldn’t regularly wash our clothes due to water scarcity, but with this facility, we can now maintain cleanliness and hygiene.”
Iliya Luka, a former youth leader, highlighted the prevalence of waterborne diseases like typhoid and malaria at the local healthcare center due to the lack of access to clean water. He expressed optimism that the provision of the borehole would reverse this alarming trend.
The Acting Gwom Gassa (local chief), Dara James Toma, emphasized the vital importance of water, affirming the substantial positive impact the project would have on grassroots well-being. He noted a significant reduction in the burden placed on women and young people in sourcing water.
Iliya Nash, a former Councillor from the community, expressed profound gratitude for the unprecedented gesture, acknowledging the prolonged suffering endured by the community since 2002. However, he also appealed for additional interventions in areas such as fertilizer provision and educational support for school children.
Rwang Pam, another community member, echoed the call for improved security measures to safeguard the facility and ensure the community’s continued well-being.
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the Special Adviser of Operations and Programmes to General Theophilus Danjuma, the Chairman of the Victims Support Fund, commended the community for their support during the construction of the facility. She assured them of additional interventions aimed at empowering the community economically, providing educational resources, and offering humanitarian aid.
The Executive Director of VSF, Professor Nana Tanko, urged the community to protect and maintain the facility diligently to ensure its longevity and continued service to the people.