For years, residents of the Ichwa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp have struggled with the harsh realities of displacement, including severe water scarcity and insecurity. Thanks to the intervention of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, however, life is starting to look brighter for the camp’s inhabitants.
The farmer-herder crisis in the region has forced countless families from their homes, seeking refuge in camps like Ichwa. Mrs. Agatha Gboko, a 33-year-old mother of two, has resided in the Ichwa IDP camp for over four years after fleeing her home in the Mbagwen community. Before ACReSAL’s intervention, Mrs. Gboko and other camp residents faced a daily struggle to access clean water, often resorting to walking long distances to neighboring houses or even the River Benue.
Previous attempts to drill boreholes within the camp proved unsuccessful, leaving the problem unresolved. However, ACReSAL’s provision of a solar-powered borehole has dramatically changed the landscape. The borehole provides a consistent and abundant water supply, eliminating the need for residents to leave the camp in search of water. “We no longer have to go outside the camp to find water,” Mrs. Gboko explained. “The borehole gives us enough water for everyone.”
In addition to the borehole, ACReSAL has installed solar-powered streetlights throughout the camp, significantly improving safety and visibility at night. The positive impacts of ACReSAL’s intervention are already being felt:
- Adequate water supply: The camp now has a reliable source of clean water.
- Reduced burden on residents: IDPs are no longer forced to walk long distances to fetch water.
- Increased safety and security: The solar streetlights illuminate the camp at night, enhancing safety and visibility for all residents.
The ACReSAL project’s provision of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights is a crucial step towards improving the living conditions and resilience of the Ichwa IDP camp, offering hope and a brighter future for its residents.