BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto-
The United States Agency for International Development, (USAID) alongside the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) have shown further commitment to improving sanitation, hygiene and safe drinking water in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, north west of Nigeria.
Speaking at her opening remarks at a one day workshop with stakeholders in Sokoto, UNICEF Nigeria Chief of WASH, Jane Bevan, said that the aim of the assistance was to build community centered approaches for delivering, operating and managing sustainable Water Sanitarion and Hygiene (WASH) with a focus on fostering resilience in rural communities in partnership with the respective state governments.
According to Jane Benan, they are concerned about the availablity of portable drinking water for all. This according to her, “was very necessary and part of the mandate which WASH is focused”.
While noting that, WASH is the entry point for meaningful development, Jane Bevan confirmed that WASH is needed for effective education, health, economy and every other aspect of human development.
On his part, Mr Maulid Warfa, Kano/Sokoto UNICEF Cheif of Field Office, said that USAID would be spending ten million dollars to ensure safe drinking water in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States of north west, Nigeria.
Amazed by the news, Engr Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources in his welcome address, said water supply remained critical to human existence.
The minister who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Awe, the Director Water Quality of the Ministry, confirmed that, Zamfara at the moment has only 2 percent open defecation.
Speaking in his goodwill message, Sokoto State Commissioner of Water Resources, Hon Umaru Bature, said the state under Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has committed so much in emsuring that portable drinking water is readily available for the people of the State.
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