WWD: 120 LGAs free from Open Defecation – Minister Utsev

By George George Idowu

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev stated that 15 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 5 states have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) since he assumed office, making it a total of 120 LGAs that are ODF.

He disclosed this on Friday while he was stating the achievement of the ministry thus far during the celebration of World Water Day (WWD) with the theme: “Water for Peace.”

He stated that 10,568 sanitation facilities have also been constructed in institutions and public places across 127 LGAs.

On the aspect of water, Utsev said that the ministry has constructed 6,761 water schemes in the urban, semi-urban and rural areas within the country and that is expected to meet 32 million people who are in need of water.

According to the Minister the PEWASH (Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene) programme, has been able to construct 2,190 boreholes to meet 2,006,250 persons in need of water and subsequently produce 3,001,578 litres of water per day.

He highlighted the partnership the ministry entered with World Bank which focuses on increasing the access to water supply in urban, small towns and rural areas.

Utsev used the opportunity to commend LG electronics for providing a solar powered borehole at Durumi community where he stressed the ministry willingness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in bringing out proper water polices, initiatives and donations.

Reacting at the commissioning of the borehole, the Managing Director of LG Electronics said this initiative was build out of the willingness for LG as an organization to give back to the society. He stated that more of this kind of initiative will be carried out.

Earlier, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, said that based on the World Water Development Report (WWDR), 80% of people who live in rural areas lack basic drinking water. While those who live in urban areas are struggling to meet their water demands because of the growing rate of population.

He added that more than 1,000 children under the age of five die daily as a result of contaminated water.

Diallo noted that climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods. Adding that Africa has been projected to have one of the highest impacts of these unforeseen circumstances.

He however reaffirms UNESCO commitment in supporting Nigeria on sustainable management of its water resources for peace and prosperity as well as achieving SDG 6 goal.

Similarly, the Managing Director/CEO of Fordmarx Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clifford Nnaji has unveiled its company plans to donate 37 solar powered water boreholes across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT.

According to him, this will be in addition to 37 solar powered irrigation projects in all the states. Stressing that solar powered irrigation can help create 50 million jobs nationwide with a year.

He said, however, for this to happen, they are calling on the government to support and partner with them in order to ensure the actualization of this target.

The event ended with schools getting award for creating a short clip that portrayed the theme of the year’s WWD.