Unicef DGIS-ASWA II programme provides safe drinking water, hygienic toilet facilities to 3 states in the northeast.
By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar.
The United Nations Children Funds, UNICEF says about 997,000 People living in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states have benefited from safe drinking water, while 880,000 people have stopped defecating in the open and now use safe and hygienic toilet facilities.
The Programme was implemented by the Government of Nigeria and UNICEF with funding support from the people of the Netherlands.
The programme has two benefitting local governments each from the three states which include Jada and Guyuk in Adamawa, Biu and Meigumeri in Borno and Fune and Geidam in Yobe States.
Speaking during a presentation at the DGIS-ASWA II Programme Endline and Local Investment Plan Meeting held in Gombe State, the UNICEF Wash specialist Mr Jonathan Ekhator said UNICEF is supporting the Government of Nigeria to provide WASH services which includes access to water, access to sanitation and access to hygiene across many states of North East and North West of Nigeria.
He said the programme has facilitated the construction of 500 new water facilities, and rehabilitated 1000 broken-down facilities, while 54 schools and 38 healthcare facilities were provided with basic water, sanitation and hygiene.
The UNICEF Wash Specialist said for the sustainability of the programme, the government at all levels should continue supporting the programme while communities take ownership of facilities in their communities as women and children are the ones that benefit the most.
Also speaking at the programme, UNICEF WASH Manager Chiranjibi Tiwari emphasized the importance of water accessibility stressing the need for sustainability and local investment plans to ensure continued benefits for communities.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Mr Ogbonna Kenneth highlighted the ministry’s partnership with Unicef to improve livelihoods across Nigeria and called for sustainability of the project.
He said all the 36 state commissioners and Permanent Secretaries will be in Abuja for the implementation of the action plan as recommended by the 2022 sector-wise sustainability report.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, the Emir of Jajere in Yobe State, Alhaji Hamza Ibn Buba Mashio expressed gratitude and commended the Government at all levels, UNICEF and development partners for the progress recorded so far.
