Climate Change Effects Severe On WASH Facilities In Communities

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev says the increasing hazards of climate change are severe on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, WASH, facilities provided in communities.

Professor Utsev stated this at the closing ceremony of a 3-day National workshop on climate risk analysis and action plan for the WASH sector in Nigeria put together by the Ministry in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF in Abuja.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi stressed that climate change had led to social and economic risks which result to youth exposure, increased household medical expenses, low agricultural produce, out of school children, low productivity, civil unrest amongst others.

Professor Utsev explained that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the WASH sector in Nigeria is designed to address some of these concerns head-on and to provide a comprehensive framework that assesses the current climate situation in each geopolitical zone of the country and proffer innovative solutions in order to improve WASH services.

“This plan is not just about short-term fixes; it’s about long-term impact. It’s about ensuring that the boreholes we construct, the toilets we build, and the hygiene practices we promote are climate resilient and continue to serve generations to come, “the Minister emphasized.

According to the Minister, the recent outbreak of cholera across the country is a testimony that all hands must be on deck for WASH services in Nigeria.

“Today, as we finalise the Climate Risk Analysis and pledge our commitment through the Action Plan, let us keep in mind that climate resilient WASH services is about behavioral change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement. It’s about educating children and adults alike on the importance of Climate Resilient WASH practices,” Professor Utsev stated.

“The WASH sector, encompassing water, sanitation, and hygiene, lies at the heart of human well-being and sustainable development. It is not just about access to clean water and safe sanitation; it is about enabling people to live dignified lives and ensuring the health and prosperity of our people despite the challenges of climate change” .

“As we all know, climate change is one significant threat facing humanity today, with negative impacts on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. In Nigeria, a majority of households are already faced with limited access to good quality WASH services, with only 10% having access to basic WASH services and 23% lacking access to basic water supply according to the 2021 WASHNORM report” the Minister added.

The Minister who added that planning is not enough but requires commitment, emphasized that collaboration, shared vision, a commitment to work collectively, pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, is needed to ensure the success of the Action Plan.

“The presence of different Federal MDAs, states, NGO’s and the development partners here today signifies that we are not just working in isolation. I therefore call upon everyone to play an active role in making this initiative a success. As a responsible ministry, we shall continue to allocate resources, enact policies, and create an enabling environment for Climate Resilient WASH, ” he noted.

“I equally enjoin all our State Governments and partners to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and most importantly hold stakeholders accountable on issues around WASH and Climate Change. The private sector can also contribute through innovative technologies, investments, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. ”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Hydrological Services in the Ministry, Babarinde Mukaila stated that studies have identified climate change as the most significant threat facing humanity with negative impacts on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services.

In his presentation, the manager of WASH, UNICEF Nigeria, Chivanjibi Tiwan said Nigeria is one of the most affected nations when it comes to climate change adding that globally Nigeria is the second worst nation in terms of action plan to tackle the menace.

The three day workshop had participants drawn from the 36 states of the Federation with goodwill messages from UNICEF, WaterAid, and other stakeholders in the sector.

By Georgina Humphrey