Minister Expresses Concern Over Slow Progress of SURWASH Programme

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev has expressed concern over the slow pace of financial disbursements in states under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev has expressed concern over the slow progress of the SURWASH programme in relation to its financial disbursements in states.

Speaking at a three-day mid-term review mission workshop in Abuja, co-organized by the ministry and the World Bank Supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, SURWASH Professor Utsev urged beneficiary states to enhance their implementation strategies to better serve the public.

“By the end of 2023, we had anticipated a cumulative disbursement of $133 million from the allocated $700 million. However, as of December 2023, the total disbursement stood at $80.3 million. Our collective efforts are crucial to accelerating disbursements and ensuring that the funds are used efficiently to achieve the programme’s goals,” Utsev stated.

According to the minister, this shortfall calls for urgent reflection and action to ensure future commitments are met noting that the improvements across participating states in meeting conditions for disbursement and in preparing the necessary Policy, Institutional and Regulatory (PIR) plans, in spite of the challenges.

Utsev stressed the importance of assessing the achievements so far, identifying areas of progress, and critically evaluating remaining challenges.

He added that the workshop offered an opportunity to adjust strategies and ensure that the programme remained on track to achieve its ambitious goals.

In his welcome address, the Director Water Supply and Support Services in the Ministry, Mr. Mikiali Babarinde stressed that the Mid-Term Review Workshop is aimed at re-accessing earlier strategies, reinforce commitments and ensure all parties involved are on the right part towards achieving the transformative outcome set out to accomplish.

“We understand that following the workshop, there will be a task that includes a site visit to participating states, providing us with the chance to witness first-hand the impact of our efforts and to gather insights that will guide our future actions” he emphasized.

Mr. Babarinde who expressed gratitude to the Minister of Water Resources & Sanitation, for his untirin commitment and support to the WASh sector also appreciated the World Bank for their continued partnership and support.

He therefore encouraged all participants to engage fully and openly in the discussions stressing that insights gain and decisions reached during this review will have a lasting impact on the success of the program and the well-being of our citizens.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the World bank Supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programms, SURWASH, Abdulhamid Gwaram stated that the meeting aimed to review progress, address implementation challenges, and agree on strategic restructuring to accelerate progress.

He noted the need to evaluate achievements, identify gaps, and strengthen coordination between federal, state, and development partners.

In her good will message, the world bank representative, Awa Diagne said access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene is not only a fundamental human rights but is also a driver of economy growth and socio well being.

Diagne who commended teams in the seven participating states for their hard work, in spite of challenges expressed confidence in the programme’s continued positive impact.

The three day workshop is aimed at ensuring that the Nigeria SURWASH program continues to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians and commissioners for water from seven SURWASH states and stakeholders in the water sector.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Shakira Alabi