Groundwater, critical to climate change adaptation – Minister

Dr Ramatu Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that groundwater is critical to Climate Change adaptation.

Aliyu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the commissioning of hand-pump borehole, organised by the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

The event, with the theme “Groundwater: making the invisible, visible”, was held to commemorate the 2022 World water day and further take action on the pollution and over exploitation of this hidden treasure.

According to her, “In the driest parts of the world, groundwater might be the only water people have to survive on.

“Exploring, protecting and sustainably using ground water is essential to adapting to and surviving climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population. We need to work together and twice as hard to sustainably manage this precious resource.

“Today’s theme is not only apt but also re-emphasizes the impact of ground water which is visible everywhere, although under our feet, but is hidden treasure that enriches our lives,” she said.

She added that the event is in fufilment of one of RUWASSA’S mandates, which is to improve access to safe drinking water by the provision of new and rehabilitation of existing water schemes in the rural communities.

“In the past six months, the FCTA has constructed over 190 rural water schemes of various types across the area councils, leaving no one behind.

“RUWASSA, in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and Unicef, has also trained 16 Community artisans on the maintenance of rural water facilities to ensure sustainable use of the facilities.

Dr Mohammed Dan-Hassan, Executive Director, RUWASSA, said that improved access to safe water will further eradicate all water related diseases such as Cholera, and dysentery, among others.

He added that RUWASSA will continue to uphold its mandate while ensuring adequate sanitation and management of human waste that will lead to achieving an “open defecation free FCT.”

Mrs Aisha Bakpet ,Head of Department, Sanitation, advised women on the importance of improving safe drinking water through prevention of open defecation.