FG Partners Zamfara On Implementation Of Wash Programme
By Chibuzor Emejor
Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has expressed its commitment to partner Zamfara State Government in the implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes for the benefit of the people of Zamfara and Nigeria as a whole.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,stated this when the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
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The minister who highlighted various Federal Government’s WASH intervention programmes such as PEWASH, SURWASH, and others, urged the Zamfara State Government to actively participate in the Programmes for the benefit of Zamfara indigenes.
He also noted that the full components of the Bakolori Dam would be sustained in the State for the benefit of the people while also announcing that a team of WASH experts would visit the State to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water situation, to ensure universal access to improved hygiene and clean water.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s willingness to support States with specific water needs, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.
Recognising the value chain of water and sanitation in job creation, hygiene services and investment opportunities, the Minister urged the Governor to facilitate the timely release of counterpart funds to enable the Federal Government to fulfil its obligations for the benefit of the people of Zamfara.
Utsev further appealed to the Governor to collaborate with the private sector in constructing more toilets, particularly in public places like schools, markets, parks, and worship centres to support the ongoing campaign against open defecation in the country
He stressed the importance of engaging religious leaders, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders in discouraging open defecation for the sake of public health and attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) target in 2025 for Open Defecation Free Nigeria status.
Responding, Lawal congratulated the Minister on his appointment and appealed for Federal Government’s intervention in addressing water challenges in Zamfara State.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to provide counterpart contributions for various ongoing Federal Government projects in the State and gave an assurance of their successful execution for the benefit of the people.
He also highlighted the importance of utilising all the components of the Bakolori Dam project to enhance all year-round irrigated farming in the State.
The Governor assured of his cooperation and productive working relationship aimed at improving the lives of Zamfara residents.
End.
