Minister of water resources and sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, has decried the lack of commitment by households and communities to sustaining water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in the country.
Utsev, represented by the minister of state for water resources, Alhaji Muhammad Goronyo, stated this yesterday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop to promote the sustainability of the WASH sector.
The minister said even when WASH facilities like boreholes and toilets are provided, they are often mismanaged and abandoned by benefitting communities.
He said, “As we embark on this journey, let us keep in mind that sustainability is not just about infrastructure; it’s about behavioural change, capacity building and community engagement.”
Utsev called on local communities to take ownership of WASH facilities in their areas to ensure that they are properly sustained and maintained.
He urged stakeholders to educate children and adults alike on the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices.
“As a responsible ministry, we shall continue to allocate resources, enact policies and create an enabling environment for WASH sustainability. I equally enjoin civil society organisations to mobilise communities, raise awareness and most importantly hold stakeholders accountable on issues around WASH sustainability.
On her part, UNICEF chief of WASH, Dr Jane Bevan, urged state commissioners and other participants to take the message of sustainability of the programme to their states to improve the performance of the water sector.
