FG, UNICEF Strategise For Better WASH Programmes

The federal government and UNICEF are strategising to improve the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in the country.

Towards this end, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and UNICEF Thursday held the annual planning and review meeting of the Federal Government-UNICEF WASH Programme in Abuja.

According to the minister of water resources, Prof Joseph Utsev, the current five-year programme cycle of 2023-2007 aims to improve access to safe water and sanitation for the overall health of citizens, especially, vulnerable groups.

“Over the years, the federal government has ensured that implementation of policies and programmes are deployed to address identified sector-gaps, improve access to services and demonstrate its commitments to WASH programmes,” he stated.

Prof Utsev called on Nigerians to join hands with the government for the success of the Clean Nigeria, Use a Toilet Campaign.

Chief WASH officer at UNICEF, Jane Bevan, urged the federal government to become more resilient in combating climate issues including floods and drought.

She urged Nigerians, especially entrepreneurs, to see the management of human wastes as a business by building public toilets in strategic locations.

Dr Bevan decried lack of sustainability programmes in the country, adding that some schools and other public institutions were built without toilet facilities.

She advised governments at all levels to avoid approving new buildings without hygiene facilities.

She urged Nigeria to get smarter with climate resilient matters, adding that more needs to be done in the face of urbanisation and population explosion.

According to her, her organisation aims to reach 38 local government areas and establish 1000 WASH programmes in 2024.