by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
An organization, ‘Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology Expertise’ (TASTE) has recently celebrated its 25 years of “progress so far” in Nigeria.
TASTE revealed that it has helped over 1,000,000 individuals, who gain access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities since it was established in September 7th, 1999.
The CEO TASTE UK, Ben Udejiofo, disclosed this on Friday, while celebrating 25th years’ Anniversary with a theme: ‘Celebrating God’s Faithfulness’ at the ECWA Headquarters Conference Hall Jos.
He said, there patron and supporters have over the years helped by praying for them and raising money to complete over 700 projects as well as raising over $200.000 to purchase and ship their 3 drilling rigs.
He revealed that, one of the rigs has since been commissioned and hydrogeological survey equipment for their expectations.
Middle-belt News Networks reports that, TASTE is a Christian international None-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which is registered with the Charity Commission (CC) in the UK and Corporate Affairs in Nigeria.
He said, TASTE office in UK is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and TASTE office in Nigeria is based in Jos, the Plateau State, and their primary role is to raise funds to enable it to support disadvantaged communities across Nigeria to access safe drinking water, while sharing the Gospel and, thereby, demonstrating the love of God.
The CEO further explained that, the support comprises drilling boreholes to provide sustainable and safe water supply, constructing hygienenic latrines and undertaking community development to help in building community cohesion resilience.
Mr. Udejiofo explained further that, TASTE works mainly in communities where women and children bear the burden of water collection, typically walking some 5 kilometers per trip to collect water, which is usually unsafe for human consumption.
It also educates the communities, including children, in local schools about the importance of good basic hygiene and sanitation practice.
He said TASTE at its registration in UK had 6 trustees and had a total of $10 (N22,000) in its back account.
Speaking earlier, the Board Chairman of TASTE, Andrew Gwaivangmin, said the 25th anniversary of TASTE is dedicated service in the fields of water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.
According to him, over the past quarter-century, TASTE has been unwavering in its commitment to improving the quality of life for countless communities.
He noted that, their journey has been one of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, adding that, “We are celebrating not just the milestones we have achieved, but the lives we have touched and the futures we have helped to shape.
“The 25th Anniversary Celebration is a testament to our ongoing mission to provide clean and safe water to those in need. It symbolizes our dedication to fostering sustainable environments and promoting health and well-being,” he stated.
The chairman said, “This achievement would not have been possible without God’s faithfulness, the relentless efforts of their team, the support of their partners, and the trust of the communities we serve and God’s faithfulness.
“As we look back on our 25 years of impact, we also look forward to the future with renewed vigour and determination. We remain committed to our vision of a world where every individual has access to clean water and a healthy environment. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and drive positive change,” he said.
Speaking also, former COCIN President, Rev. Prof. Dachollom Datiri (a member of Board of Trustees) in his keynote address called on Government, private sector, and civil societies to develop and implement terns-boundary water management policies.
“They should also invest in clean energy and water-efficient technologies, promote water conservation and sustainable practices, support climate-resilient water management strategies and educate and raise awareness about water’s importance,” Rev Datiri stated.