By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi Government has expressed its readiness to fully implement the $700 million Federal Government–World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, made this known while receiving a joint delegation from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the World Bank in Birnin Kebbi.

He reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to the full and successful execution of the project.

“The administration of Gov. Nasir Idris is determined to meet all the requirements of the programme, including the necessary budgetary provisions.

“In return, we expect the sponsors to also fulfil their obligations to ensure the success of the scheme,” he stated.

Earlier, the Team Leader and National Coordinator of the SURWASH Programme, Alhaji Abdulhamid Gwaram, said the team was in Kebbi to carry out an assessment of the state’s water sector, an essential step in the programme’s implementation.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources recognises Kebbi State’s commitment to the water supply, sanitation, and hygiene project.

“The state has successfully completed the eligibility phase and is now in the second round, progressing towards the final stage of readiness and access to funding.

“The programme operates on a results-based financing model, where access to funds is contingent upon evidence of effective implementation and impact.

“We are confident that Kebbi State possesses the capacity, capability, and commitment to deliver,” he added.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Ka’oje, commended Gov. Idris for his dedication to collaborating with both the Federal Government and the World Bank to improve sustainable water supply and sanitation across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade