By Segun Awofadeji
Water Aid International has advocated for synergy between the three tiers of government to check rural poverty just as it commissioned water projects in Ningi and Ganjuwa LGAs of Bauchi State.
The Chief Executive Officer of the London-based NGO, Barbara Frost, made the request on Monday while commissioning two solar-powered water schemes and two blocks of institutional latrines at Gwam village in Ningi LGA as well as another set of two blocks of gender-based latrines at KafinLiman in Ganjuwa LGA, all of Bauchi State.
She said the execution of the projects was in fulfilment of the organization’s commitment to transform lives by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the poorest communities in Bauchi State.
“This becomes imperative in view of the high population density in the two communities where lack of WASH facilities had affected the economic fortunes of women and children,” he said.
While appreciating the resolve of the present administration to improve the wellbeing of rural dwellers, Barbara Frost called for more collaboration with government to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of children and women who constituted majority of rural dwellers.
“No fewer than 50,000 people are expected to benefit from the WASH projects just commissioned at Gwam and KafinLiman. It is my hope that community members including women and children of school age, will protect these facilities and ensure their safety”, Barbara Frost said.
Earlier, the Bauchi State commissioner for water resources, Ghali Abdulhamid, who described WaterAid as a pacesetter among development partners, pledged government’s total commitment to fulfilling its counterpart obligations with a view to achieving vision 20-20-20 and the sustainable development goals SDG.
