Tasiu Shehu, a disabled man, has transformed a tricycle into a water delivery vehicle, distributing free water to communities facing shortages in Kano State.
A graduate with an NCE certificate, Shehu also volunteers as a teacher in Kano, where he teaches Hausa language.
Shehu explained that his initiative to distribute water stemmed from the lack of adequate water in many parts of Kano. He noted that many areas suffer from poor pipeline infrastructure, leaving residents without reliable access to clean water.
“The inspiration came from seeing how many people in Kano struggle to get water. There are many areas where pipelines are old or don’t work, and people suffer without access,” he said.
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For the past 6 months, Shehu has been using a custom-designed tricycle, created by craftsmen in Kofar Ruwa, Kano State.
The tricycle, fitted with a 500-liter water tank, allows him to deliver water to areas with pipeline issues, places with elderly or disabled people, correctional centers, orphanages, and other locations in need.
However, Shehu faces several challenges. He noted that many people rush to him for water when he arrives at a location, creating crowd control difficulties. Additionally, the tricycle occasionally breaks down, leaving him stranded, especially at night when there is no one to assist. His disability makes it impossible for him to push the vehicle himself.
Another major challenge is the rising cost of petrol, which has drastically reduced the number of water deliveries he can make. “Before the fuel price increase, I made multiple daily water deliveries. Now, I can only afford one trip due to skyrocketing fuel costs,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, Shehu finds fulfillment in the joy and relief he brings to the people he serves. “What keeps me going is the happiness on the faces of the people I am giving water to,” he said.
He urged other people with disabilities to avoid street begging and instead find ways to use their talents or start businesses, no matter how small, to support themselves and their communities.
“I want them to understand that disability is not inability. They should not be on the streets begging. They should use their talent or start a business to earn a living and solve the problems of their communities,” Shehu advised.
He also called on the government to support water distribution efforts by providing or fabricating more tricycles like his to serve water-deprived communities in Kano.
Additionally, he stressed the implementation of policies that would address many of the challenges people with disabilities face, especially in gaining access to basic resources.
“They need to act on policies that will help improve the lives of people with disabilities, from education to health, and even other areas of our lives. This will make a big difference for us,” Shehu emphasized.
