NIAMEY, August 10 — Nordiré neighborhood in Niamey, on the right bank, has seen significant improvements in water access due to the construction of private water towers and infrastructure supported by partners. This development has eased pressure on public fountains, brought water closer to residents' homes, and saved women considerable time, according to Boubacar Boubacar Sidikou, the chief of the Nordiré neighborhood. The multiplication of water towers and boreholes in Nordiré represents a concrete and effective response to the long-standing supply difficulties faced by the community.
Mr. Sidikou stated, "Avant, les habitants dépendaient beaucoup des bornes fontaines. Les longues attentes et des coupures intempestives rendaient l’approvisionnement difficile. Aujourd’hui, les châteaux d’eau privés et les ouvrages réalisés avec l’appui des partenaires ont considérablement amélioré la situation." He also recalled, "Certains habitants gardent encore en mémoire les corvées d’eau dans ce quartier sous équipé avec son lot de pertes de temps, de pénibilité et d’incertitude." Previously, residents depended heavily on public water fountains, often facing long waits and intermittent outages, which significantly complicated their daily lives. The situation has now markedly improved with the introduction of private water towers and infrastructure built with key partner support. Sidikou emphasized the ongoing need to "entretenir les pompes, les panneaux solaires, les batteries, et le château d’eau" and expressed a desire for more families to benefit from private water access.
Past Hardships and Current Solutions
Some residents vividly remember the arduous water collection duties in the previously under-equipped neighborhood, which often involved considerable time loss, physical hardship, and uncertainty regarding water availability. Mme Amina Narowa, a mother, described her past routine, stating, "I used to leave home very early with my containers. When I arrived, there was already a long queue and sometimes the water did not flow enough. We had to wait a long time to fill a few containers. I could spend a large part of the day doing this chore. At home, we were forced to limit the use of water." She often left home as early as 5 AM with her containers to collect water, frequently encountering long queues and sometimes insufficient water flow, which meant spending a significant portion of her day on this essential but challenging task. The necessity to limit water usage at home was a constant burden for families. "Today, this picture is in the past," Mme Narowa added, noting the profound positive change. The ongoing need for maintenance includes pumps, solar panels, batteries, and water towers to ensure continued service and prevent a return to past difficulties.
Community and Partner Contributions
The ongoing challenge for Nordiré neighborhood is to preserve its existing water infrastructure and expand access to drinking water for all residents. This long-term objective extends to the year 2026, indicating sustained efforts are required to ensure the community's water security. The collaborative efforts between the community and its partners have been instrumental in this transformation.
Looking Ahead
Previously, Nordiré residents heavily relied on public water fountains, often experiencing prolonged waiting times and intermittent service outages, which complicated water procurement. The significant increase in water towers and boreholes across Nordiré directly addresses these supply difficulties, providing a concrete and sustainable solution. This transformation has also led to a reduction in household water usage limitations, which were previously necessary to cope with scarcity. The implemented solution has contributed to lower installation expenses, decreased maintenance charges, and reduced costs associated with battery replacements for the water systems, making access more affordable and sustainable for the community. The overall improvement in water access has had a cascading positive effect on daily life, health, and economic activity within the neighborhood.