ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In line with the ongoing intervention of strengthening water and Sanitation delivery in Nigeria, WaterAid with funding support from the Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), has completed and commissioned three projects in Enugu State Communities, on Friday.
The projects commissioned are 40,000-litre motorized borehole at Umuogili, Amufie in Igbo Eze North LGA, as well as 2 blocks of 4 compartments Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines at Garki and Akwata markets, in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.
Igbo Eze North is the first community to benefit from the LDSC water project among the 17 LGAs in the state, because it was able to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, improved hygiene behaviours.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, represented by the Enugu State Programme Lead, Mr. Solomon Akpanufot, said the project would encourage communities to adopt good hygiene practices.
“Access to clean water, decent toilet and good hygiene transform lives and is a critical component for upholding human dignity and well-being.
“With the help of its partners, WaterAid remains committed to making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere,” she said.
On his part, Mr. Akpanufot said the WaterAid target is to reach at least 40,000 people with clean water, 3,000 people with safely managed sanitation and 16,000 people with hygiene promotion in both Bauchi and Enugu states.
He noted that the water and sanitation project, which is a five a project, commenced in may 2021, in Bauchi and Enugu States, and will run till April, 2026.
Akpanufot stated that the selection of Igbo Eze North as the first community to carry out the project was based on a merit system.
He called on the community leaders to work harmoniously with the Water Consumer Association and WASHCOMS to ensure that the water project in s sustained, being the pilot LGA.
Speaking after the commissioning of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Cordelia Ada Nwonye commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the WaterAid.
She said that the Governor supports the projects on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash).
She noted that Governor Ugwuanyi wants to sustain hygiene in the state.
Ada also urged the community to sustain the project and maintain their open defecation free status.