Water Project in Abagana, Nigeria
The site sign indicating Rotary collaboration.
The water spigots and the electrical transformer ready for the official ribbon cutting.
The traditional ruler of the town (middle) seated with Rotary Club of Njikoka members.
The traditional ruler of Abagana, HRH Igwe Patrick M. Okeke cutting the ribbon and officially opening the well.
Community Chairman Ogochukwu Obiechanina testing the water.
Children reveling in the free-flowing water.
 
The Gift of Abundant Water Flowing Freely...
The Bronx Rotary Club has contributed funds to a Rotary International Matching Grant project to build 2 wells in Tanzania.
 
May 13, 2012 marked the commissioning of the water well in Abagana, Nigeria. This project was the result of a collaboration between the Rotary Club of the Bronx, USA and the Rotary Club of Njikoka, Nigeria and took almost 5 years to complete.

Prior to the drilling of this well (some 325+ feet deep through bedrock), villagers and their children were compelled to walk as much as 8 miles to fetch water.
Testing was done on the ground water at the beginning of the project to make sure that the water was uncontaminated and safe for consumption. The well boast 5 water taps for the villagers.

Because there was no power supply nearby to power the water pump on the well, low tension wires were run into the area as an addition to the project.
Bronx Rotarian Geoffrey Ukekweh racked up many air miles during his numerous trips to Abagana to check on progress and the Club is grateful for all he has done to nurture this project into fruition.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was a joyous ocassion for village elders and children alike celebrating the well. The Njikoka Rotary Club President Emma Muoegbunam presented the traditional ruler of Abagana, HRH Igwe Patrick M. Okeke with the customary goodwill gift of kola nuts at the beginning of the festivities. After several speeches, HRH Okeke cut the ribbon and had the first taste of the new well water. Others quickly followed suit, marveling in the simple gift of water.

HRH Okeke sent his message of appreciation and goodwill to the Rotary Club of the Bronx, Rotary Club of Njikoka and to Rotary International.