USAID, UNICEF To Spend $10M On Safe Drinking Water In Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara

USAID and UNICEF has agreed to spend $10m on improving safe drinking water in three northern states in Nigeria.

Glamtush reports that the United States Agency for International Development, (USAID) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has shown further commitment to improving sanitation, hygiene, and safe drinking water in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.

This news online platform gathered that this was disclosed by UNICEF Nigeria Chief of WASH, Jane Beva while giving her opening remarks at a one day workshop with stakeholders from the three States in Sokoto.

She hinted that the aim of the assistance was to build community-centered approaches for delivering, operating, and managing sustainable Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) with a focus on fostering resilience in rural communities in partnership with the respective State governments.

According to Jane Bevan, they are concerned about the availability of portable drinking water for all. This according to her, “was very necessary and part of the mandate which WASH is focused.”

While noting that, WASH is the entry point for meaningful development, Bevan, confirmed that WASH is needed for effective education, health, economy, and every other aspect of human development.

On his part, Mr. Maulid Warfa, Kano/Sokoto UNICEF Chief of Field Office divulged that USAID will be spending ten million dollars to ensure safe drinking water in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States of the northwest, Nigeria.

Engr Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources in his welcome address, said water supply remained critical to existence. The Minister who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Awe, the Director of Water Quality of the Ministry, also confirmed that Zamfara, at the moment, has only 2 percent open defecation.