BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA
The Nigerian Army, has constructed and donated over forty thousand (40,000) litres capacity borehole powered by solar energy as part of its Civil Military Cooperation Project in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Commissioning the project in Jebu Bassa community today, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. A. Lagbaja, disclosed that the choice of Jebu Bassa for this project was in recognition of the fact that, Jebu Bassa was a host community of 3rd Division.
Represented by Major General G. O. Adesina, the Chief of Army Staff said, “I am delighted to be here today in Jebu Bassa to commission this water project facility executed by the Nigerian Army.
“This facility includes, borehole of 40,000 litres water capacity that is powered by solar energy. It is pertinent to note that the commissioning ceremony of this project, forms part of the series of events lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 holding here in Plateau State.
Presenting the overview of the project, Lieutenant Colonel IC Onwuteaka, disclosed that the project was carried out through direct labour and that, the was completed on June 27, 2024 within two months and ready for commissioning.
“The choice of Jebu Bassa for this project was in recognition of the fact that, this is the host community of 3-Division of the Nigerian Army and many of our veterans also live in this community”, he highlighted.
According to the 3-Star General, the project was one of their modest contributions and efforts toward improving the living standard of people of this community and also complement the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State Government in developing the State.
He added that, it was also to complement the efforts of other governmental and Nongovernmental organisations in developing the State and providing portable water to our communities stressing that, the water facility would go a long way in contributing to a heavier community.
Lagbaja, however, assured that the Nigerian Army would sustain both kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations to ensure the installation of a secure country for peaceful coexistence among the people of Plateau State.
He, therefore, enjoined the benefiting community to take ownership of the project and place measures for its maintenance to ensure that the project last, urging them to support the military who were on operations in the state.
Responding on behalf of the benefiting community, the National President of Bache Cultural Development Association (BCDA), Elder Jacob Agal, thanked the Nigerian Army for this great gesture saying, “it is clear to us that Nigerian Army are not our enemies, but our true friends’.
Meanwhile, he has appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on their behalf and beg for the construction of a road that would leak Bassa and Southern Kaduna State to help ease transportation problem along that axis.
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