Federal Government has reiterated commitment to partner UNICEF to enhance the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, “WASH” policies at the grassroots nationwide.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Telumum Ustev, stated this during a courtesy visit by UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, in his office in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev who stressed that consultations are ongoing with State Governments and Investors to leverage the WASH sector’s value chain, emphasized on the need for robust collaboration with UNICEF to expand projects to grassroots communities.
The Minister who underscored the crucial significance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets for WASH projects across Nigeria, ensured maximum benefits for the populace.
He further explained that preparations were underway for the WASH Sustainability Check meeting to develop a WASH Action Plan with the 36 States and FCT Commissioners in charge of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The Minister added that efforts were in top gear for the implementation of WASHNORM IV Survey and urged all relevant stakeholders and supervising Directors to hasten the process with the National Bureau of Statistics.
Earlier in her remarks, the UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, stressed that the strategic focus of UNICEF collaboration in the WASH sector from 2023 to 2027 encompasses various areas which include WASH sector financing, sustainability of WASH systems, WASH in Institutions, ending open defecation in Nigeria, and WASH Sector Coordination.
She stated that since 2018, notable achievements in the Country include the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,700 solar-powered motorized boreholes, 10,000 hand pump boreholes, support for ODF Local Government Areas, and providing access to safe drinking water sources for an estimated 12 million people.
“Additionally, over 24 million people have gained access to basic Sanitation Services, with approximately 2,000 Primary Health Centers and 3,000 schools equipped with complete WASH facilities” she stressed.
Dr. Bevan further noted that strengthening efforts also extend to over 10,000 WASHCOMs Communities, 298 LGA WASH Units, and 25 State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs).
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, Mr. Jonathan Ekhator of UNICEF, as well as Directors of the Ministry.
By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji
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