FG Tasks Traditional, Religious Leaders On Open Defecation

Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has called on state governors, religious, traditional and opinion leaders to be active in the campaign against open defecation for the sake of public health in the country.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, made the call during a courtesy visit by the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal and his team to the minister in Abuja, yesterday.

The governor, alongside the Secretary to Zamfara State government, Abubakar Nakwada, and several members of his entourage were on a working visit to the ministry.

The minister expressed Federal Government’s commitment to collaborate with the Zamfara State government in implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes for the benefit of the people of Zamfara and the nation at large.

He maintained that the full components of the Bakolori Dam would be sustained in the state for the benefit of the people, adding that a team of WASH experts would visit the state to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water situation to ensure 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 Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Recognising 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 fulfill its obligations for the benefit of the people of Zamfara State.

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 centres to support the ongoing campaign against open defecation in the country.

Governor Dauda 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 providing 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.

Also present at the meeting were the permanent secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, and some directors in the ministry.