WaterAid Nigeria on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Accelerating Inclusive Sanitation and Hygiene Economy in Nigeria’ project to improve sanitation and enhance cholera interventions in four Bauchi local governments.
The 30-month project aims to benefit 900,000 people across Bauchi, Tafawa-Balewa, Misau, and Jama’are LGAs.
Ms Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, at the formal launch said the project adopts a multifaceted approach through infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and innovation.
Mere noted huge gaps in access to basic sanitation and hygiene in Bauchi from available statistics.
“While 60 per cent of the population has access to basic sanitation, only 19 per cent have access to hygiene facilities.
“Nevertheless, progress has been made, with nine LGAs in the state certified as Open Defecation Free.
“Our ultimate goal is to transform lives and foster sustainable development in Bauchi State,” she added.
She explained that one of the key objectives of the initiative is to improve infrastructure by constructing safe water and sanitation facilities, particularly in cholera-prone areas.
The initiative, she said, also focuses on economic empowerment by creating opportunities for women and youth within the WASH sector.
According to Mere, the project is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through an inter-ministerial committee, in collaboration with the Bauchi state government.
She expressed gratitude to the state, federal ministries, the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), and other stakeholders for their support in advancing this crucial intervention.
Aline Pawele, Country Fund Portfolio Manager for the United Nations SHF, called for increased collective action and investment in sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health.
Pawele emphasised the need to address gaps in these essential services and urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to this cause.
She also urged governments to increase public investments in sanitation and hygiene, prioritising access and services for underserved communities.
Pawele advocated for innovative financial models and technologies to unlock the untapped economic potential of the sanitation sector.
She encouraged development partners to align their strategies with government priorities and support both technical and financial objectives.
“The sanitation and hygiene sector is an emerging market with vast business opportunities.
“Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to explore its economic potential, particularly in hygiene products and waste management services”.
Pawele stressed that building a sustainable sanitation and hygiene market required collaboration across all sectors.
Awa Diagne, the World Bank Representative, highlighted the importance of urgency, innovation, data, and collaboration in addressing sanitation challenges.
She called for immediate and coordinated action to tackle Nigeria’s sanitation and hygiene issues.
“Nigeria’s alarming sanitation and hygiene statistics, combined with frequent cholera outbreaks, demand urgent intervention.
“Delaying action puts more lives at risk and exacerbates public health challenges.
“We must move away from ‘business as usual,’ as traditional methods have failed to deliver adequate results”.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the importance of collaboration, investment, and sustainable solutions.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, he noted that many communities still face significant barriers to accessing essential WASH services.
He highlighted the ministry’s numerous efforts and initiatives to reverse this trend which demonstrate a strong commitment to providing sustainable and inclusive WASH services.
“This project symbolises hope for underserved communities, aiming to address these gaps with impactful solutions,” he stated.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Bauchi State Government, the Ministry of Health, and other partners.
A key highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Project Oversight Committee, comprising members from relevant ministries, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability. (NAN)
