Gidan Mai-Akuya

Impact Story

Gidan Mai-Akuya is a quiet community in Lafia East where families live closely together, and children spend most evenings playing around the compound areas. For many years, the community had no proper toilet facility, and open defecation became a normal part of daily life. Women and girls faced the greatest difficulty. Because there was no safe and private place to ease themselves, many womenwaited until late at night before going into nearby bushes. Young girls also lived with shame and discomfort, especially during the daytime when privacy was difficult to find. As children grew up seeing open defecation everywhere, it slowly became accepted as normal within the community. During rainy periods, waste spreads around the environment, creating dirty surroundings and exposing families to sickness such as diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. The poor sanitation environment hindered the community’s progress and wellbeing. Lifewater arrival brought hope and change by constructing a modern toilet facility for Gidan Mai-Akuya. The new toilets provide safe, private, and hygienic spaces for women and children, drastically improving sanitation and health. The community feels empowered, with girls gaining confidence and women no longer forced to endure discomfort and risk. Lifewater intervention has not only improved health but also strengthened community wellbeing.