By Adamu David
UNICEF and the Adamawa State Government have launched the third phase of the Acceleration Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project.
Funded by the Government of the Netherlands, the initiative aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation for 150,000 vulnerable residents across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Audu Ayuba, described the project’s expansion as a crucial step toward healthier communities.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s development agenda, and commended development partners for prioritizing Adamawa in their interventions.
The first two phases of ASWA saw significant progress, with Guyuk and Shelleng local government areas declared open defecation-free.
The new phase will extend the program to Shelleng and Ganye, with a focus on sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Aisha Yusuf, Head of Sanitation, Hygiene and RUWASSA at the ministry, highlighted the achievements of previous phases, including sanitation interventions in 133 communities, 84 completed water projects, and improved hygiene practices in schools and healthcare facilities.
With the third phase, the project will integrate a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure long-term sustainability.
UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Chief, Nuzhat Rafique, praised Adamawa’s commitment to meeting project goals and stressed the importance of maintaining these improvements beyond the four-year funding period.
She reiterated that clean water and sanitation are fundamental to health, dignity, and development.
