The minister of Water Resources Engr. Sulieman H Adamu has urged the citizens to support the clean Nigeria campaign to end open defecation free in Nigeria by 2025, saying in ending OD has multiple layers of benefits on our health, welfare, and security.
Engr. Adamu made this appeal on Monday in Abuja, during the Ministerial End of the Year Media Parley with the Water Correspondents.
According to the minister, that everybody should get involved, while he quoted the finance minister that, if sanitation is checked, that would solve 50 to 60% of the health problems of the country. Adding that sanitation shouldn’t be taken for granted, everyone should be an advocate of the Clean Nigeria Campaign for the nation’s common goals.
“Take it upon yourself to sensitize the communities on the need for proper sanitation to stop open defecation across the country,” he stated.
During questions and answers, the Minister dive into the tasks of the Presidential Committee on plans and actions in preventing flooding, which was set up by the President.
Adamu reiterated that the committee set up by the president under his chairmanship is reviewing the policy, and the contingency plans to mitigate flooding. Adding that the committee is looking at plans from three angles.
“What needs to be done before a flood, what needs to be done during a flooding event and what needs to be done post flood”.
He added that the committee will be looking at the short, medium and long term measures. Adding that everybody needs to be involved, the legislation that needs to be put in place and every technology that needs to be acquired to identify the comprehensive plans for the nation. Adding that, it will be in forms of categories according to the experts recommendation.
The minister further urged the citizens not to build on the water coast. Adding that they should open up the drains, build more drains, and take responsibilities.
He however disclosed that for the last seven years the ministry has constructed more than 6,700 water schemes across the country. Adding that the ministry and its agencies have provided water supply water facilities that have the capacity to supply more than 32 million people with water.
Adamu reiterated that the ministry online with its mandate will commissions not fewer than 13 projects before his handover to the next minister, listing the project which as follows;
“Patigi Water Supply Project, ABU Zaria Water Supply Project Ezealakpaka Water Supply Project, Damaturu Water Supply Project LOT B, Damaturu Water Supply Project LOT C Gashua Water Supply Project LOT A, Akanu Water Supply Project, Uburu Water Supply Project, Nasarawa Water Supply Project, Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam, Gari Irrigation Project, Dadin Kowa Hydropower Station, Amla-Otukpo Dam.
Inline with their Location, Patigi, Kwara State, Zaria, Kaduna State, Mbano, Imo State, Damaturu, Yobe State, Damaturu, Yobe State, Gashua, Yobe State, Ohafia, Abia State, Ohaozala, Ebonyi State, Nasarawa State, Taraba State, Kano & Jigawa State, Gombe State, Benue State.
Also, he commended the developmental partner’s who have been in Frontline in accomplishing these projects and the tasks ahead.
Adamu, hence commended the water correspondents for their publicity in their diligent reportage in projecting the ministry.
“Many people have come to tell me, Not too much was known about the federal Ministry of water resources and its importance to the nation.
“But now a lot of people are aware and they see the ministry as a strategic ministry for the nation. That is your job, projecting our image.
