Residents of Pindiga in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State have received a major boost in access to clean water following the commissioning of a 60,000-litre solar-powered water project executed by the Nigerian Navy.
The intervention, located hundreds of kilometres away from Nigeria’s coastline, was delivered under the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and facilitated by Rear Admiral U.U. Faruk.
The project comprises a 60,000-litre water storage tank, a solar-powered pumping system and an extensive pipeline network designed to supply potable water to households and key public institutions within the community.
Among the beneficiaries are the Pindiga Cottage Hospital, the community mortuary and the central mosque, all of which had long struggled with inadequate water supply.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff at the inauguration, Rear Admiral A. Yahaya, Director of Plans, said the project reflects the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities through initiatives that improve the well-being of citizens beyond its core maritime responsibilities.
For years, residents of Pindiga had endured persistent water shortages, forcing many families—particularly women and children—to travel long distances in search of water for domestic use. Health facilities and schools also faced challenges due to limited access to clean water.
The newly commissioned facility is expected to significantly reduce those hardships. Powered by solar energy, the system operates independently of the national electricity grid, ensuring a more reliable supply of water during daylight hours.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, a community elder commended the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, describing the extension of water to the mosque and mortuary as especially significant because of the important role water plays in both religious activities and burial rites.
Shortly after the project was inaugurated, residents were seen gathering around the facility to fetch water, expressing excitement as the new system became operational.
The intervention also underscores the Nigerian Navy’s growing involvement in community development projects across the country. While the service is primarily tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, it has continued to undertake humanitarian and social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in communities, including those located far from the nation’s coastal areas.
