By Esther Oseyiomon
Residents of Garam community in Bwari area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)have expressed excitement following the commissioning of a water project by the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission as part of activities marking the 2026 Africa Day celebration in Abuja.
The project was inaugurated during the Mission’s three-day Africa Day programme, which began with a Liberation Walk from Jabi Lake Mall to the Jabi Lake Waterfront and back, attracting participants from the diplomatic community, students, civil society organisations, and Pan-African volunteers.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Global President of the Mission, Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, said the initiative was designed to support the African Union Agenda 2063 aspirations in the area of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Amb. Ben-Joel noted that access to clean water remains a major challenge in many African communities, stressing that sustainable water supply is critical to improving health, agriculture, and economic development across the continent.
He explained that the 2026 Africa Day theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” reflects the urgent need for African nations and stakeholders to prioritise water security and sanitation.
According to him, the Garam water project represents a practical intervention aimed at improving the living conditions of residents while demonstrating the Mission’s commitment to community driven development initiatives.
He urged members of the community to take ownership of the facility by protecting it against vandalism and ensuring proper maintenance for future generations.
A community leader in Garam, Baba Sallah, described the project as timely and impactful, saying residents previously struggled to access clean water for drinking and farming activities.
He stated that the new facility had already reduced the burden faced by residents, especially women and children who spent long hours searching for water in nearby areas.
The Africa Day celebration also featured the launch of the African Digital Trade Centre of the Pan African Continental Super Marketplace as part of efforts to promote continental unity and development.