The Federal Government has urged States and key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to collaborate diligently in expediting the disbursement of World Bank support funds aimed at enhancing water and sanitation services in the country.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the imperative for prompt action from states and critical stakeholders to fulfill their commitments in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program.
Professor Utsev highlighted his concerns regarding the sluggish implementation of the seven hundred million dollar SURWASH program, calling for a proactive approach to meet the set objectives. The initiative, being executed in Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau, aims to bolster sector policies and institutions for enhanced services and to address water and sanitation challenges in both urban and rural areas.
He expressed optimism about the collaboration with the World Bank, particularly in terms of technical expertise, financial backing, and global insight, which he believes will facilitate a seamless execution of the program in the country.
Acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support, Professor Utsev commended the sustained partnership with the World Bank team and underscored the importance of the review workshop as a platform to assess progress and overcome forthcoming challenges to ensure the program’s success.
Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, outlined the program’s objectives, which include providing clean and safe water to 6.1 million Nigerians, establishing sanitation facilities in 500 communities, and enhancing sanitation services in schools within the participating states.
Awa Diagne, a Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank, representing the Country Director, emphasized the goal of empowering nations with water and sanitation services, ensuring no community in Nigeria is left behind in sustainable development.
