The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday, inaugurated a 70,000 litre, solar-powered water project in Alesi, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation scheme, initiated by the COAS and implemented by Maj.-Gen Hilary Nzan, the Commander, Four Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa.
NAN also reports that the strategic initiative is aimed at fostering improved relationship between the army and communities through the implementation of people-oriented projects.
NAN further reports that the Nigerian Army had earlier provided solar-powered street lights in the community.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, the COAS said the project was designed to complement the existing infrastructure provided by the government and other stakeholders.
He said that the water project would provide a sustainable source of clean water for the people of Alesi and its environs..
“This project will help to improve the people’s health, sanitation and overall quality of life,” he said.
Lagbaja said that the army had implemented a number of people-oriented projects across the country to support the wellbeing of the communities.
He said that some of such projects included construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools and laboratories, roads, town halls, and borehole facilities among others.
He pledged the commitment of the army to sustain initiatives capable of promoting the security of the nation and the wellbeing of the people.
Earlier, Nzan, said that the army chose to implement a water project after a thorough and rigorous consultation with the community.
He urged members of the community to ensure good maintenance culture while using the project to enable it to serve them better
Speaking on behalf of Alesi Community, Dr Odigha Odigha, a Community Leader, described the project as a good omen to the community.
He commended the army for the initiative and said that the water project would impact positively on the wellbeing of the people.
“This project is a huge relief to the community, it would help in the reduction of waterborne diseases such as cholera. It will also reduce the burden of long treks to the stream.
“We commend the Nigerian Army for its visionary interventions in the community, this has truly enhanced the relationship between the people of the community and the force,” he said
NAN reports that the inauguration ceremony was greeted with traditional dances and the conferment of the traditional title: “The Leader of People ” on the COAS.