Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency Collaborates with Development partners to conduct capacity programme

The Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency RUWASSA, with support from WaterAid and DP World, has conducted a two-day capacity-building training for scheme operators and local artisans on the operation and maintenance of solar-powered boreholes in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The training targeted six rural communities, with four participants selected from each community, including three artisans, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots technical capacity and ensure the sustainability of rural water facilities.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Engineer Habib Muhammad Sadiq, said substantial resources were invested in the training to support rural communities with the knowledge required to manage water infrastructure effectively.
Represented by his Assistance, Musa Garba Bondut, urged participants to promptly report technical challenges beyond their capacity to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH Directorate in Misau Local Government to avoid prolonged system breakdowns.
The State Programme Lead of WaterAid, Dr Mashat Mullo, explained that the training was designed to enhance the operational and maintenance capacity of beneficiaries, enabling them to carry out minor repairs and ensure uninterrupted water supply.
He noted that identifying and training local artisans was a strategic approach to building community-based technical expertise and strengthening standard operational practices.
Dr Mullo added that WaterAid has been working in Bauchi State for over two decades, supporting improved access to safe water and sanitation services.
Also Speaking, Engineer Baffa Buhari, a consultant at the training, explained that geophysicists play a critical role in identifying viable underground water sources, increasing drilling success rates and ensuring adequate supply of potable water.
Engineer Lumi Jonathan delivered a detailed presentation on maintenance procedures for solar-powered boreholes, emphasizing routine inspection of solar panels, pumps, and electrical components as essential measures for sustaining system performance.
In his remarks, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana underscored the importance of community engagement and ownership of water facilities, noting that when communities take responsibility for protecting and managing infrastructure, sustainability is enhanced and incidents of vandalism will be reduced.