JDPC Commissions Three Boreholes to Boost Access to Clean Water in Yorro Communities

The Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has commissioned three boreholes in Kpantisawa, Nyaja and Padoban communities of Yorro Local Government Area, Taraba State, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water.

The projects were executed to address the persistent challenge of water scarcity in the communities and improve public health, sanitation and the overall well-being of residents.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the JDPC Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Clement Ignatius Tiba, said the intervention reflects the Church’s commitment to promoting human dignity and supporting sustainable community development.

He said the boreholes are open to all members of the communities, irrespective of religion or any background, and urged residents to protect the facilities to ensure they serve future generations.

The projects were funded with support from MISEREOR, a development partner of JDPC, as part of efforts to expand access to safe water in underserved communities.

Representing the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo, Charles M. Hammawa, the Parish Priest of St. John’s Catholic Church, Kpantisawa, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Santi, said the boreholes would reduce the burden on women and children who often travel long distances in search of water.

According to him, improved access to clean water will enhance hygiene, reduce the risk of water-borne diseases and allow children, especially girls, to spend more time in school instead of fetching water.

As part of the initiative, Greening Taraba, the climate action arm of the Unicorn Youth Development Network, planted tree seedlings around the borehole sites to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience.

Community leaders, traditional rulers and residents expressed appreciation to JDPC and its partners for the intervention, describing it as timely and beneficial to the affected communities.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects, water management committees have been established in each of the three communities to oversee the operation, maintenance and proper use of the boreholes.

The commissioning underscores the growing role of faith-based organisations in complementing government efforts to expand access to basic social services and improve the quality of life in rural communities across Taraba State.