WaterAid, Cummins unveil N1bn water, sanitation grant for Lagos, FCT
By Tosin Kolade
WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with Cummins West Africa Limited, has unveiled a N1 billion grant to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in Lagos and FCT.
WaterAid Country Director, Ms Evelyn Mere, disclosed this at the three-year project launch on Friday in Abuja.
Mere said that leveraging their combined expertise, the partners aspired to make a substantial impact on communities grappling with water scarcity and inadequate sanitation facilities.
According to her, the N1 billion grant is earmarked for projects that will not only enhance water quality but also promote sustainable hygiene practices.
Mere, represented by Mr Kolawole Banwo, emphasised the urgency of addressing WASH challenges in Lagos and the FCT, saying the collaboration reflected a shared vision to create lasting improvements among communities in both states.
“This intervention will provide 10,000 people across 3 locations in Bwari and Gwgwalada Area Councils with access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
“We plan to achieve this through the construction, rehabilitation and upgrade of water and sanitation facilities in selected schools and communities that will yield about 12.2 million gallons² per annum.
“We will also undertake hygiene behaviour change campaigns, strengthen WASH governance systems to ensure sustainability and empower women and girls to participate in decision-making around WASH in their communities”.
The country director said the project sought to reach a total of 186,047 people, with 11,500 people having access to clean water, 6,547 people having access to decent toilets, and 168,000 people reached with hygiene services.
Cummins West Africa Limited’s Managing Director, Mark Oni-Okeke, underscored the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as fundamental rights, particularly for mothers and children.
Emphasising the need for clean water and proper sanitation practices, Oni-Okeke highlighted their commitment to creating a society prioritising healthy living.
He said the intervention was part of efforts to support the National Action Plan to revitalise the WASH sector, saying that would also make a significant impact on beneficiaries and their communities.
Oni-Okeke, however, called for strengthened collaboration from all partners, saying accountability would lead to greater impact and sustainability.
Dr Mohammed Dan-Hassan, Executive Director, FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, said the project was unique and touched on the lives of everyone and everywhere.
According to him, FCT RUWASSA is committed to providing its own support for project success, saying it was a laudable achievement.
He said the challenge of open defecation and open urination in the city was worrisome, hence the importance of maintaining partnership with all stakeholders to achieve a cleaner environment.
Mr Musa Lawal, a representative from the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat, said the initiative, marked a substantial stride in FCT’s commitment to providing secure and sustainable water supply and sanitation facilities.
Lawal commended the collaborative efforts of the FCT Administration, RUWASSA, Area Council Chairmen, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Community Members, and Civil Society Organisations.
He urged continued cooperation to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the project outcomes, saying this would support the campaign to end open defecation in Nigeria and improve hygiene services.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that communities of intervention in Lagos State were situated in Ikorodu North and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas; while in Abuja, the project will be implemented in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the two benefiting area councils, with commitment to sustain proposed projects when completed. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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