Every Drop Counts: Solar-Powered Community Water Project in Kwami Town
MISSION
Our mission is to improve human development outcomes by investing in bold ideas, resilient institutions, and impactful programs that expand access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. In doing so, we also work to reduce social inequality, support environmental stewardship, and strengthen governance and public institutions. We focus our efforts where they are most needed—especially in communities where HCM operates and where our people live and work—to ensure a lasting, equitable impact across generations
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Every Drop Counts: The Solar-Powered Community Water Project in Kwami Town, implemented by the HCM Foundation, is designed to address the long-standing challenge of inadequate access to safe and clean water in Kwami Town, Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria.
For many years, residents of Kwami Town, formerly known as Kafarati, a historic community that has existed for over 900 years, have depended on unsafe water sources such as open wells, ponds, and seasonal streams. These sources expose the community to serious health risks, including frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Women and children bear the greatest burden, often traveling long distances daily to fetch water for drinking, washing, and other household needs, which negatively affects their health, education, and productivity.
Kwami Local Government Area, with a land size of approximately 1,787 square kilometers and a population of over 324,800 people (2022 estimate), continues to face significant water access challenges. Several attempts have been made in the past to address this issue; however, due to the deep groundwater level of about 450 meters and difficult geological conditions, many interventions have not been successful.
To manage the situation, HCM Foundation provides emergency support to the community through daily water supply using water tankers. While this has helped reduce immediate hardship, it is not a sustainable long-term solution.
In lieu of this, HCM re-strategizes its approach to long-lasting and reliable solutions through the construction of a deep solar-powered borehole, designed to reach groundwater beyond 450 meters based on the geological realities of the area. The borehole will be equipped with solar panels, a submersible pump, a water reservoir, an overhead storage tank, and tap points, ensuring consistent and year-round access to clean water without reliance on fuel or grid electricity.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project places strong emphasis on community ownership and sustainability. A community water management committee will be established and trained to oversee daily operation, basic maintenance, and protection of the facility. This approach will strengthen local capacity, ensure long-term functionality of the water system, and promote responsible water use.
Through this intervention, Every Drop Counts aims to improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, ease the daily burden on women and children, enhance hygiene practices, and restore dignity and well-being to the people of Kwami Town. The project aligns with HCM Foundation’s mission to promote health, dignity, and sustainable development through community-driven solutions.
