WaterAid, in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (CHC), has unveiled the second year of its project aimed at strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) delivery in the FCT.
The project themed, ‘Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery in Abuja Year-2’, aims to enhance sustainable WASH services across selected communities within the FCT.
Ms. Nambam Michael, WaterAid’s Project Manager, at the event in Abuja on Wednesday stated that communities must be part of the existing investment plan and agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for sustainability to be eligible.
She said communities must have over 500 residents, road access, and no security risks, with schools having at least 500 students to qualify.
“The one-year project, which began on June 1, 2024, will conclude on May 31, 2025, focuses on providing access to essential WASH services in targeted communities within the Bwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Abuja.
“The project’s first year saw successful implementation in several communities, including Barangoni, Dakwa, Zuma II, Tudun Fulani LEA School, and Sabon Gari”.
Dr Adebayo Alao, representing WaterAid Country Director Evelyn Mere, noted the role of community involvement in effectively implementing and maintaining WASH services.
He urged leaders of communities that benefited from the first-year project to ensure the facilities’ upkeep and work towards making their communities open defecation-free.
Makawa Adamu, Director of Finance at Bwari Area Council, expressed gratitude for WaterAid’s efforts, noting the initiative’s role in fulfilling the federal government’s promise of clean water for all communities.
He also acknowledged the support of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and emphasised the need for continued collaboration to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project aims to build on the successes of the first year by engaging four additional communities in the Bwari Area Council.
It also seeks to reinforce essential systems and strengthen partnerships with government entities to drive further investments in WASH services across the FCT. (NAN)
