By Abbas Nazil
A high-level World Bank delegation has arrived in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
The visit is part of the preparatory steps for possible funding and support under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Project.
The team, led by Alhaji Abdulhamid Adamu Gwaram, National Coordinator of the SURWASH project, is in the state to evaluate Kebbi’s readiness to meet the requirements necessary for accessing World Bank financial assistance.
The visit is considered crucial in determining the extent to which the state can benefit from the World Bank’s ongoing support for improved water supply and sanitation services across Nigeria.
Upon arrival at the Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, the delegation was warmly received by top officials of the Kebbi State Government.
The state delegation was headed by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Bello Abubakar, alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed.
Related Posts
Other members of the welcoming team included the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Atiku Garba; Director of Water Commercial Services, Bashar Ibrahim; General Manager of the Kebbi State Water Board, Zayyanu Shehu; and the General Manager of the Rural Water Sanitation Agency, Adamu Shehu, among others.
During their stay, the World Bank assessment team is expected to carry out a detailed inspection of the state’s existing water supply infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
Their evaluation is to cover the capacity of current facilities, functionality, coverage, maintenance practices, and institutional frameworks in place.
The aim is to assess the extent of development and to identify gaps that need to be addressed for the successful implementation of water supply and sanitation projects under the SURWASH initiative.
This mission marks a significant milestone for Kebbi State as it intensifies efforts to meet international standards and improve access to potable water and hygienic sanitation services for its growing population.
The outcome of the assessment will influence the World Bank’s decision on the level and nature of assistance to be provided.
However, such support is contingent on the state’s compliance with project guidelines and its demonstration of capacity to sustain the proposed interventions.
The SURWASH project is part of the World Bank’s broader agenda to enhance water security, improve public health, and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
