Disturbed by the scarcity of water in Tolu community, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council of Lagos State, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lagos Coral has donated a solar-powered borehole to address years of water scarcity and reliance on unsafe sources.

The facility, part of JCI’s “Water is Life” initiative, was developed after consultations with local leaders and residents, who identified water as the community’s most urgent need, hindering their health and well-being.

The project, fitted with a water treatment system, was delivered in partnership with RGS Worldwide Limited and Nedville Emergency Medical Services.

President of JCI Lagos Coral, Efemona Ejeh, said the initiative was designed to provide a sustainable solution.
“When we came into this community, we found out that water was their most urgent need. Children trekked long distances to fetch water from streams where waste was also disposed of. We knew we had to intervene.

“This project is powered by solar, so it is sustainable. There won’t be excuses about fuel, light or generator. Our message to the people is simple: use it well,” she said.

Ejeh stressed that the project was not only about meeting an immediate need but also about encouraging communities to act rather than wait endlessly for government intervention. She added that periodic checks would be carried out to ensure the facility is used correctly and maintained.

Vice President of JCI Lagos Coral and chairperson of the project, Racheal C. John Emeyazia, described the commissioning as the fulfilment of an idea first conceived in November 2024. She said the project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on clean water, sanitation and good health.

“For many years, the hardworking people of Tolu had to rely on unsafe and unreliable water sources at exorbitant prices, which affected their health and livelihood. This borehole, with its treatment system and solar power, restores dignity and health to the community,” she said.

Emeyazia noted that the project faced challenges, including fundraising, technical installation and weather delays, but stressed that determination and collaboration ensured its completion.

“Every naira, every kobo, every word of encouragement was a drop that filled this well of change. Today, we see the result of collaborative action. But this is not the end, it is the beginning. The community is encouraged to protect it so that it serves everyone fairly,” she added.

Managing Director of RGS Worldwide Limited, Joseph Osazuwa, said the partnership reflected his company’s commitment to social responsibility.

“We are happy to support this community because water is life, and without it we have diseases. This treated, solar-driven system will make life easier for everyone here. We are ready to partner again on such initiatives,” he said.

Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, Olamilekan Akindipe Olu, praised the initiative, stating that it addressed one of the council’s most persistent challenges.

“You didn’t just bring water, you brought treated water. Thousands will benefit from this project. It gladdens my heart that it is powered by solar, so there is no dependence on fuel or electricity. This is laudable,” he said.

Olu pledged that the council would sustain the project and replicate similar ones across wards in line with his promise to provide boreholes within his first 100 days in office.

“Water is our number one need as humans. This is not a private project but a public one, and we will ensure it is maintained for community use. My plan is to commission boreholes in every ward, and this model will guide us,” he added. The Baale of Tolu community, Chief Jelili Idowu Ajibola, described the borehole as an answered prayer.

“People in my community have been asking for water for a long time. Today, it has come. We appreciate JCI for not just giving us water, but good water,” he said.

The Baale noted that the community would take responsibility for safeguarding the facility.

“We will set up a committee to secure and maintain the borehole. JCI has done their part by providing it; it is now our responsibility to protect it,” he said.