FG , Zamfara State to collaborate on WASH programmes implementation

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the Zamfara State Government in implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs for the benefit of the people of Zamfara and Nigeria as a whole.

This commitment was reaffirmed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, . Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during a Courtesy visit that held  in Abuja.

The Minister welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, along with the Secretary to Zamfara State, Abubarkar Nakwada, and several members of his entourage who were on a working visit and highlighted various Federal Government’s WASH intervention programs such as PEWASH, SURWASH, and others, and urged the Zamfara State Government to actively participate in the Programmes for the collective benefit of Zamfara citizens.

He also mentioned that  the full components of the Bakolori Dam will be sustained in the State for the benefit of the people while also announcing that a team of  WASH experts will visit the state to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water situation, to ensure universal access to improved hygiene and clean water.

He emphasized the Federal Government’s willingness to support states with specific water needs, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.

Recognizing the value chain of water and sanitation in job creation,  hygienic services , and investment opportunities, the Minister urged the Governor to facilitate the timely release of counterpart contributions to enable the Federal Government to fulfill its obligations for the benefit of the people of Zamfara.

Prof. 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 centers, 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 SDG target date of 2025 for Open Defecation Free Nigeria status.

Governor Dauda Lawal congratulated the Honourable Minister for 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 utilizing all the components of the Bakolori dam project to enhance all year-round irrigated farming in the State.

The Governor assured the Minister of a cooperative and productive working relationship aimed at improving the lives of Zamfara residents.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, and some Directors of the Ministry.