Long-Term Consistency Eclipses Short-Term Intensity

In December, we completed our eighth year of water project planning and development in Nigeria. This consistency has enabled us to complete 48 boreholes, providing over 43,000 people with access to clean, safe water every day.

When we first started, it was exciting and intense to be on the cutting edge of water development in Nigeria; however, we have learned that consistency is far more essential to lasting success than intensity (ask your favorite one-hit wonder artist). Our mission is to have a long-term impact; we have determined that maintenance is as essential as development to achieving that mission. One of the most exhilarating facts about our water development activities over the years is that 47 of 48 completed water projects continue to produce water. The fact that 98% of the boreholes we have developed remain operable is a testament to our team's commitment and consistency.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 30% to 40% of boreholes are inoperable at any given time; this is a sad statistic, and in my opinion, is another artifact of the phenomenon of using the continent of Africa as a place to scratch the charitable itch, but not a place to commit to long-term. While researching for my doctorate, the aforementioned statistic kept coming up, and I became determined to ensure our development program does not yield similar results. To do that, we had to commit to empowering the communities we have worked with to maintain their respective boreholes. 

When it comes to borehole maintenance, discipline is paramount. Maintaining something is never quite as exciting (or motivating, for that matter) as building something for the first time (think of the feeling you get when you change your vehicle's oil compared to when you buy a new car). Unfortunately, the dopamine hit that comes with the excitement of a new project is not present in maintenance. While motivation is the spark that ignites action, discipline is the engine that sustains it. 

The borehole projects we have completed have cost an average of $4,429 USD. When broken down by person served daily, the costs equate to $4.59 USD, a very cheap price to pay to change a life. Regarding maintenance costs, in 2025, we spent $2,100 USD on borehole maintenance. When broken down by the number of people provided with access to clean water through the boreholes we have developed, the cost is $ 0.05 USD per person. 

The aforementioned highlights the importance of sustainability. While the concepts of environmental, economic, and social sustainability are essential for ending poverty, fighting inequality, and protecting the planet (see the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for more on this), the basic concept of maintaining what has been done can't be overlooked; however, unstimulating maintenance may be. 

Until next time.

Dr. J