FG Launches Framework To Promote Water Mgt In Communities

The Federal Government has
Launched a framework aimed at fostering community ownership and management of water and sanitation facilities across the country.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev at the launch of the Framework for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) Formation and Management in Nigeria stressed that the essence was to promote sustainability in the management of these vital resources.

According to the Minister, with framework communities would be empowered to take ownership and oversee the management of these facilities within their localities.

“The predominant reasons for the non-functionality of WASH systems were attributed to the absence of ownership, poor deployment of technology options, lack of viable operations and maintenance system, inadequate tariff systems for cost recovery and sparse community participation and accountability” he added.

The framework is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, as well as ensure the long-term sustainability of these essential facilities.

According to the Minister the importance of community involvement in the management of water and sanitation infrastructure cannot be overemphasized hence the need to entrust the communities with the responsibility of managing these facilities.

“The government aims to foster a sense of ownership and accountability, ultimately leading to better outcomes in terms of service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.

Professor Utsev explained that the inefficiencies in management and reliance on government or individuals for financing maintenance persist in providing climate-resilient, adequate, and safe WASH services nationwide.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi explained that the launch was a journey to revolutionize the landscape of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) formation and management of the nation.

Alhaji Shinkafi who was represented by the Director, Water Supply and Support Services in the ministry, Dr Nicholas Madu, explained that the importance of portable and safe Water, adequate Sanitation and hygiene cannot be over emphasised noted that Water and sanitation are essential factors for the wellbeing of mankind and vital input in economic development.

“Recognizing the importance of Water, Sanitation and hygiene to the people, government at various levels and development partners are investing heavily in the provision of potable drinking water and affordable sanitation facilities to rural dwellers which often breaks down and left abandoned as a result of negligence to duty or inability of responsible agencies of government or beneficiaries of such facilities to perform their roles as expected” Alhaji Shinkafi stated.

The Permanent Secretary who explained that government cannot solve water, sanitation and hygiene problems alone, stressed that the ministry recognises the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders especially users of WASH facilities in maintenance and sustainability.

“Therefore it is required of them to be effectively organised and trained if they are to deliver on their responsibilities.

Alhaji Shinkafi noted that many Countries in Africa and Latin America have adopted different models for delivery of Rural Water Supply Service with varied results which includes Community-Based Management, Local Government Provision, Private Sector, Public Utility; and Supported Self Supply.

“In Nigeria, the most preferred model is Community Based Management (CBM) or Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) on which this framework set to be launched today is developed” the Permanent Secretary stressed.

Alhaji Shinkafi therefore called stakeholders for a renewed sense of purpose, determination by working tirelessly towards a future where every Nigerian will have sustainable access to safe and dignified WASH facilities.

There were goodwill messages from RUWASA, Representative of AfDB, UNICEF, other development partners, CSOs and Private operators.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji