By George George Idowu
The federal government, in collaboration with the World Bank has reinforced its commitment to advancing Sustainable Rural and Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) and irrigation projects in Nigeria.
The commitment was highlighted during a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, when the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, along with the Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo.
Discussions were centred on three major projects supported by the World Bank: TRIMING, SURWASH, and the upcoming SPIN project.
Prof Utsev commended the progress of the TRIMING project, scheduled for completion in January 2025, with a focus on completing work on the Bakolori and Dadin Kowa Irrigation Schemes and resolving issues at the Tiga Dam.
He emphasized the importance of improved collaboration in selecting new states for SURWASH, SPIN, and other World Bank initiatives.
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On the part of the minister of state, he stressed the urgency of repairing the Goronyo Dam spillway gates to support the President’s food production agenda.
Concerns were also raised about the Tiga Dam’s spillway, with calls for enhancements to prevent flooding.
Mr Diop noted that preparations for the SPIN project are progressing and that the World Bank is set to present it for approval in mid-September.
World Bank officials and ministry directors underscored the importance of the performance-for-results program under SURWASH, aimed at improving WASH services and addressing food security and poverty reduction.
They acknowledged challenges that will be addressed in the mid-term review in September 2024.
Mr. Diop reaffirmed the World Bank’s dedication to supporting WASH and irrigation initiatives and emphasized the importance of the upcoming mid-term review for technical assistance and capacity building.
The visit also included ministry directors and senior specialists from the World Bank office.
