Kano Targets Improved Sanitation As WASH Documents Are Launched

The Kano State Government, in collaboration with Self Help Africa, has launched four strategic Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) documents aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening financing mechanisms, and achieving sustainable sanitation outcomes across the state.

The documents comprise the Kano State WASH Financing Strategy, Kano State Sustainable Basic Sanitation Access Roadmap, Kano State WASH Sustainability Plan, and the Makoda Local Government Area WASH Strategic Plan. They were developed under the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme implemented by Self Help Africa and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom Government.

Speaking at the launch in Kano, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Okop, represented by the Director of Water Quality, Alhaji Jamilu Habu, said the documents would provide a roadmap for Kano State to achieve sustainable sanitation outcomes and contribute to national WASH targets.

He said the initiative marks an important step toward ensuring universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in line with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6.

According to him, the documents will guide investments, improve coordination, and strengthen institutional systems for effective WASH delivery.

Habu said,“The Kano State Sustainable Basic Sanitation Access Roadmap provides clear direction for accelerating sanitation coverage and eliminating open defecation. This roadmap outlines actionable steps that will support Kano State in achieving sustainable sanitation outcomes and contributing meaningfully to national sanitation targets.”

He further noted that the WASH Financing Strategy would help address funding challenges in the sector by providing a framework for mobilising resources, encouraging private sector participation, and ensuring accountability in the allocation of funds.

Habu commended the Kano State Government, Self Help Africa, FCDO, and other partners for their commitment to improving WASH services.

The Kano State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Hashim, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, said the launch demonstrates the state government’s commitment to strengthening the WASH sector and improving the quality of life of residents.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Dr. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, described the documents as critical frameworks, particularly in addressing financing and sustainability challenges in development planning.

He stressed the need for WASH interventions to extend to rural communities, where access to basic water services remains a major challenge.

The Managing Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Engr. Shamwilu Abdulkadir, commended Self Help Africa for selecting Kano as one of the beneficiary states, describing the Makoda Local Government intervention as a model that could be replicated across the state.

The State Project Coordinator of the WS4H programme, Alhaji Aminu Musa Idris, said the documents represent a collective effort to strengthen WASH governance, improve sector financing, and promote resilient service delivery.

He urged stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the strategies, noting that success would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services at community level.