As access to and delivery of basic services are key to ensuring the stabilization of communities in Northeast Nigeria, communities in Gumsuri and Damboa, Borno State, are poised to benefit from an extensive rehabilitation of the water distribution system. 

The Damboa water supply scheme upgrade is being implemented by UNDP in Nigeria, in consultation with the Borno State’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), under the Regional Stabilization Facility.

The project covers the design, operation, and rehabilitation of water distribution and pumping systems. The upgrade began in December 2019, with the drilling of a new solar-powered borehole in Gumsuri and the replacement of damaged/protection of water pipes. 

This was followed by the construction of two animal water troughs at strategic locations along the Gumsuri-Damboa pipeline in order to ease tensions between nomadic herdsmen and local communities, who are eager to secure access to stable water supply.

In order to overcome difficulties in transporting fuel through volatile supply routes, UNDP has also introduced solar- powered systems to the Damboa waterboard to ensure a sustainable water supply to the community. 

UNDP is also supporting the expansion of the water distribution network by providing 20 additional water fetching points (15 in Damboa and 5 in Gumsuri host communities and adjacent resettlement camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to meet the challenges of an ever- increasing demand.

Damboa is one of the 7 target communities selected for the Nigerian Window of the Regional Stabilization Facility. The other communities are Gulak (Adamawa State); Ngarannam, Banki, Monguno (Borno State); Buni Yadi and Kanama (Yobe State). 

This intervention is helping to address water challenges in the camps; IDPs now have access to safe and portable water for domestic use.

Funded by the European Union, Germany, and the United Kingdom, the Regional Stabilization Facility for Lake Chad is helping the Nigerian Government to improve lives of citizens affected by the insurgency by helping to improve community safety and security; restore essential infrastructure and basic services; and provide livelihood opportunities for households in the affected communities