By Fatima Saka
The Nigeria government in partnership with African Development Bank, established Framework for WASHCOM Formation and Management in Nigeria
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, while launching the WASHCOM document, affirmed that it signifies a crucial step forward in the collective efforts to ensure sustainable access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
He noted that the launch of the framework underscores the vital importance of WASH services in promoting human health and well-being and emphasized that access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices are not just necessities but fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 & 6.2.
According to him, findings from the 2021 WASHNORM survey highlight the urgent need for action to bridge the gaps in disparities between urban and rural areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
He revealed that the framework addresses critical issues affecting progress in the sector, including institutional structures, governance models, and the functionality of WASH systems, and called for institutionalization of WASHCOMs at the community levels to foster greater community participation, accountability, and ownership of WASH facilities, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and behavior change.
Prof Utsev urged stakeholders, including Government Agencies, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and local communities, to commit to the implementation and utilization of this framework through continuous sensitization, advocacy, and follow-up, to ensure effective formation, training, and management of WASHCOMs nationwide.
He acknowledged the invaluable support of the African Development Bank, and all contributors to the development of the framework and expressed optimism that the collective usage of this framework will instill a culture of WASH sustainability and drive positive change at the grassroots level.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, FCNA, represented by Director Water Supply, Engr.Dr. Nicholas Dumebi Madu, emphasized the crucial importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for human wellbeing and economic development. He highlighted the challenges of the WASH Sector and called for the active involvement of all stakeholders, especially WASH facility users, in maintenance and sustainability efforts.
He added that Various models for rural water supply have been tried globally, with Community Based Management (CBM) being the preferred approach in Nigeria.
Shinkafi urged stakeholders to work together diligently towards ensuring sustainable access to safe WASH facilities for all Nigerians.
Present at the launch of the framework were General Managers of State RUWASSAs and other Stakeholders.
