Kwara flags off PEWASH program
By SAKA Laaro, Ilorin
The Kwara state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday flagged off Partnership for Expanded Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) program in Kwara state.
Governor AbdulRazaq in his speech, noted that the PEWASH programme has been designed to deliver sustainable access for safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene to all rural inhabitants by 2030.
He added that, “It is also meant to improve public health, nutrition and support poverty reduction efforts and will also contribute to improvements in food production and income of rural dwellers.”
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, Governor AbdulRazaq stated that the PEWASH programme is currently limited to rural water supply, sanitation and hygiene to serve as a catalyst for more investments in this area by demonstrating successful models in the specific LGAs.
He commended the Federal Government for its leadership and coordination of the PEWASH programme, especially the support for the government and people of Kwara State in this regard.
“The PEWASH programme serves to show the commitment of this administration to the welfare of our people. It is a product of His Excellency’s investments in basic things that make life worth living for the people. The Governor has approved N150m counterpart funds for the PEWASH programme in Kwara State. This amount has been deposited in the account of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), which is the body responsible for the project” he said.
With this funds, the State will deliver 40% of the water projects and 60% of the sanitation projects expected to fill access gap, while the Federal Government delivers 60% of the water projects and 40% of the sanitation projects through counterpart projects in the state where such projects have been identified and developed.
Commissioner for Water resources, Alhaji Abdulwahab Femi Agbaje in his address noted that Kwara state is one of few states that has joined the federal government in this program, adding that through this strategy, Nigeria aims to eliminate open defecation by the year 2025 and also achieve 100 percent access to Rural Water Supply and improved Sanitation by 2030.
In her remarks, National Coordinator PEWASH, Mrs Jummai Umar Wakaso observed that the primary goal of the program is to contribute to improvement in public health and eradication of poverty through the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Six; clean water and sanitation especially in rural areas.
