- Unveils National water Resources And Irrigation Policies
Nigeria has launched the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) and also unveiled the National Water Resources and National Irrigation Policies aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six (6), and the present administration’s development policy.
Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while unveiling the two National water and irrigation policies recently in Abuja, said the policies would address the challenges being faced in the water supply and sanitation sub-sector, noting that, it was a good foundation towards achieving goal six of SDGs – ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
A statement by the Director, Information & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources Margaret E. Umoh, quoted the vice president to have said, “….it is now my pleasure and singular honour to launch the partnership for expanded water supply, sanitation and hygiene, for smooth implementation to the glory of God and benefit of our people and to also unveil the national water resources policy and national irrigation policy that are very important and strategic for the development of the water sector.”
He however called on all stakeholders, especially states and local governments to key into the PEWASH initiative and commit to its success so that the common developmental goals can be achieved.
Earlier speaking, the Minister of Water Resources, Eng. Suleiman H. Adamu, said that with the launch of the PEWASH programme, it would increase access to potable water and irrigations for all Nigerians. He added that, the programme intends to improve public health and eradicate poverty in Nigeria, as well as achieves the SDGs targets.
“The primary goal of the program is to contribute to improvement in public health and eradication of poverty in Nigeria through the achievement of SDGs Target 6.1 and 6.2 especially in the rural areas where access to quality water supply and sanitation are grossly inadequate,” he said.
According to him, PEWASH is a multi-sector collaborative platform that brings together government at all levels, development partners and the beneficial communities by mobilizing all efforts to channel same towards common goals, targets and standards.
He also noted that the project is set to cost N510 billion, giving the breakdown as; “it will amount to N290.5 billion for water supply and N217.1 for public toilets. The cost for household toilets is estimated at N855.5 billion largely to be borne by households in addition to the cost of operating and sustaining the services which includes software components estimates at N327.5 during the period 2016-2030”.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rabi S. Jimeta, posited that, the absence of adequate water supply, sanitation and good hygiene practices, life will be devoid of the needed pleasure and dignity, adding that, the ministry came up with the program in an effort to meet its core mandate of ensuring access to adequate water services to Nigerians.
