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Category: Environment

  • 19 Jigawa LGAs listed in high, moderate flood risk areas, says NEMA

    19 Jigawa LGAs listed in high, moderate flood risk areas, says NEMA

     

    Flood

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 28, 2024 (NAN)The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says no fewer than 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Jigawa state fall within the high and moderate flood risk areas.

    Hajiya Zaubaida Umar, the Director-General of the NEMA, stated this during the 2024 Downscaling and Sensitization of Flood Early Warning Strategies for Early Actions in Dutse.

    This, she said, is according to the Nigeria Hydrological Agency’s (NIHSA) 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).

    Umar, represented by Dr Nura Abdullahi, the Coordinator of NEMA Kano Territorial Office, listed the affected LGAs as Kaugama, Hadejia, Auyo, Ringim, Taura, Miga, Jahun, Guri, Kirikasamma, Malammadori, Gumel, Gwaram, Dutse, Birniwa, Kiyawa, Kafinhausa, Suletankarkar, Babura and Maigatari.

    “These LGAs are already listed  on the earlier NEMA communication to the government of Jigawa.

    “According, I call for support in this initiative of downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation to the grassroots,” Umar said.

    She stressed that the management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community wide participation.

    “As we always emphasise, disaster management is everybody’s business, therefore we must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Jigawa state,” she added.

    Umar further expressed hope that the gesture will a long way in reducing the impact of annual recurring floods and safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the people of the state.

    According to her, the gesture is also a guaranteed path of driving socio-economic growth and development, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government.

    Responding, Gov. Umar Namadi, said the state government has already taken proactive measures to reduce the impact of the flood across the state.

    Namadi, represented by his Deputy, Mr Aminu Usman, assured of his administration’s commitment to continue to safeguard the lives and property of people of the state.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Aliyu Mairiga, noted that the event highlights the urgent need for effective and proactive measures to mitigate the risks and enhance resilience.

    “In the past, we’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of floods on our communities, infrastructure and economy. The flood of 2022 is still fresh in our memories.

    “NEMA’s implementation of the redefined 2024 early warning strategies is tailored to the needs and vulnerabilities of our state.

    “We recognise the privilege to have been picked from a larger group as a start point of this sensitization,” Mairiga said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/BEKl/SH

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • NGO urges collaboration towards environmental safety, protection

    Collaboration
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Bori (Rivers) June, 27, 2024(NAN) The Community Environment and Development Network (CEDEN) an NGO, has called for the collaboration of stakeholders towards the safety and conservation of the natural environment.
    The Coordinator, Mr Menidin Egbo, made the call on Thursday at a programme to mark the 2024 World Environment Day in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the event is: “Accelerating Land Restoration, Drought Resilience and Desertification Progress”
    Egbo said that steps should be taken towards strengthening ecological governance through environmental education in rural communities.
    The CEDEN coordinator, said that environment sector stakeholders should play active roles in raising awareness about conservation of nature.
    “Wherever we are as humans, we should endeavour to protect the environment and natural habitats around us.
    “We have to work collectively to tackle environmental degradation through rigorous community-based campaign and sensitisation.
    “We surely need more voices to speak in favour of environment-friendly activities, it is in our own interest,” he said.
    Egbo urged Rivers people, especially those in the Ogoni axis to protect their environment in order to earn the benefits in biodiversity promotion through sound ecological management.
    “Let’s not forget, we have no other place than the planet earth, that is our home, we must protect it,” he said.
    Earlier, Olu Wai-Ogosu, the President, Movement For or Survival of Ogoni People, decried the spate of environmental degradation in the area.
    “The unhealthy environmental practices in the Ogoni land have affected farmlands and other sources of livelihood negatively,” he said.
    Wai-Ogosu urged the people to speak out against any form of threat against their environment, adding, “it is also important to support acts that will promote a healthy environment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • NEMA takes flood prevention campaign to Oyo LGAs

    Flood

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday organised a sensitisation programme on flood early warning strategies for Egbeda, Ona-Ara and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo state.

    In her remarks, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the sensitisation programme was organised to save the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in the flood-risk areas during the rainy season.

    Umar noted that the devastating impact of floods over the years served as a wakeup call to all tiers of governments to collaborate with the agency to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

    She was represented at the event by NEMA’s Director of Disasters Risk Reduction, Dr Daniel Obot.

    “In the recent past, lives have been lost, means of livelihoods and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira have been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of floods.

    “The rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

    “Consequently, all of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding,” she said.

    She said that some LGAs in Oyo state have been predicted to be affected by flooding during 2024 rainy season.

    Umar listed the 11 high and moderate flood risk LGAs to include: Itesiwaju, Ona-ara, Lagelu, Ibarapa Central, Kajola, Egbeda, Ogbomoso South, Ogbomosho North, Iseyin, Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East.

    “It is necessary to stress that management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community wide participation, leaving no one behind.

    “We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Oyo state.

    “It is our hope that this sensitisation programme will go a long way in reducing the impacts of the annually recurring floods and to safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the good people of Oyo state,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, the Administrative Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA), urged residents to stop dumping refuse into the waters ways to avoid flood disasters.

    Responding on behalf of the three LGAs, Dr Temitope Kolapo, the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara LGA, promised that the replica of the sensitisation programme would be conducted across communities and wards in the local councils areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Kano commits N1.9bn to water, sanitation interventions

    Water

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Government has earmarked over N1.9 billion in its 2024 budget for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure to improve the lives of its residents.

    Mrs Binta Lawani, Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Rural Community Development, announced this at the two-day WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) National Training Workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

    The WS4H programme, convened by SelfHelp Africa, is a £5 million FCDO-funded initiative to improve access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano States.

    Lawani said that the intervention was necessary, following Kano’s large population and the urgent need to enhance access to potable water and sanitation facilities.

    She said that the state recognised addressing the issue as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement.

    Lawani also said that the written agreement demonstrated the government’s commitment, not only in terms of counterpart financing but also in allocating budget funds where they were most needed.

    Joy Aderele, Country Director of SelfHelp Africa, noted that the workshop aimed to strengthen institutions, political will, and stakeholder commitment, vital for sustainable WASH initiatives.

    According to her, there is a need for a holistic approach to WASH, emphasising that it should be a comprehensive service rather than just infrastructure, as this can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

    “Defining clear indicators to measure the strength of the WASH system is vital; these indicators should cover aspects such as accessibility, reliability, sustainability and impact on health.

    “Regular monitoring and evaluation will help track progress and identify areas for improvement,’’ she said.

    The country director, however, said that leveraging learnings from SHA’s 24 projects across 10 countries could provide valuable insights and best practices.

    She added that adapting these learnings to the Nigerian context would be critical to effectively address local challenges and opportunities.

    Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes at SHA, said there was need to strengthen local institutions and communities for effectively managing and sustaining WASH services.

    He said the approach aimed to empower communities and enhance resilience, ensuring continuous access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

    Guusu stressed SHA’s role in advocacy and policy influence, working closely with government and policymakers to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources for implementation.

    He also emphasised the importance of exploring sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure long-term funding for WASH initiatives.

    John Wali, WS4H Programme Manager SHA, emphasised the importance of government support, noting that Kano government had committed funding for WASH initiatives.

    He expressed optimism that other states would follow suit, saying that the ultimate goal was to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation and scale-up of the programme.

    “We are looking forward to continued government support to ensure the programme’s success.

    “The collaboration with our in-country partners is crucial, and their expertise in market-based sanitation will be vital in achieving our sanitation goals,” he said.

    Will Tillett, the Senior Global WASH Advisor with SelfHelp Africa, stressed the need to address WASH challenges, including open defecation, sustainability of rural water services, and inclusivity.

    Tillett highlighted the importance of robust foundations to ensure the effectiveness of larger investments in the sector.

    He said that through system strengthening and securing increased sector finance, the programme aimed to greatly benefit Nigerians by promoting long-term sustainability and inclusivity in WASH services.

    In  his goodwill message, Mr Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised stakeholder collaborations and urged subnational ownership in WASH service delivery.

    Adamu, who is the Chairman of SHA’s advisory board, also said that getting water and sanitation services right would solve all basic health problems in the country. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    TAK/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • Aiyedatiwa calls for urgency to tackle climate change

    Aiyedatiwa calls for urgency to tackle climate change
    Climate Change
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Owo (Ondo State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for greater sense of urgency in combating the challenges of climate change.
    Aiyedatiwa said this on Thursday at the unveiling of two global complimentary initiatives by Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO)—RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival—.
    The theme of the programme is “Attaining Climate Smart Ondo State and Mega Cultural Bound Revenue Generation”.
    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment, Niyi Oseni, said that climate change posed various dangers to human existence, hence the need to quickly proffer solutions to the menace.
    The governor, who commended the management of RUGIPO for spearheading a cause to protect the environment, said “our collective existence is at risk unless utmost major decisions are made to address climate change.
    “This being the reality, we must collectively begin to utilise the appropriate available platforms such as the RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival Initiative to develop workable initiatives to nip climate change in the bud.
    “Among other things, a climate smart city project requires energy efficiency support through a rapid deployment of energy efficient technologies, improved urban planning, access to climate information and financing,” he said.
    He said that the state government had made frantic efforts to combat the menace of climate change through the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency ( OSEPA).
    He said that the agency had carried out public enlightenment through aggressive campaign against climate pollution.
    According to him, people of the state are now aware and cautious of activities that can particularly trigger climate change.
    Also, the Acting Rector of RUGIPO, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, said that it would be perilous for the world to ignore implications of climate change.
    Adegun asked all all hands to be on deck in the determined bid to massively and urgently address the global challenge posed by climate change.
    He said that a tertiary institution, which is the most strategically positioned platform where solutions for societal challenges are proffered as products of research,  has key roles to play.
    The acting rector added that the attendant peril of climate change informed his resolve to establish a climate change centre in the institution.
    According to him, the centre has a full fledged potential based on the extant modalities of the United Nations.
    Adegun assured that the centre would be made consistently functional in line with global best practices and would impact positively on both its immediate and remote environment.
    He explained that the centre would develop adaptation and mitigation strategies to aid the United Nation’s development goals in its immediate environment and beyond.
    Adegun stated that the two concepts: climate change and tourism/culture, were entwined to carry out researches for huge benefits of the institution and the state.
    Dr Zainab Obadakin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Kogi,  commended the management of the institution for its initiative on climate change  and culture concepts.
    Obadakin said that through diapaora cultural enagagement, the two states could generate 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
    Mr Bamidele Ajayi, Head of Administration, RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change, said that the occasion was an innovative event to change the face of the institution.
    Ajayi explained  that the centre was a timely response to address the climate change implications, saying that no one should be left out in tackling climate change considering its great menace on the human existence.
    He said that the institution through the centre was well positioned to tackle climate change.
    The director called on every well-meaning Nigerian to support the initiative and ensure that the centre was able to fulfil its objectives toward human existence.
    In his remarks, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, said that climate change was caused by human activities, hence the need for proper orientation.
    Ogunoye, who was represented by Chief Amos Aladeseye, appreciated the institution’s initiative, saying it will go a long way in sensitising the people about climate change. (NAN)
    OKEO/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • FG, development partners chart climate-resilient path for Nigeria’s WASH sector

    FG, development partners chart climate-resilient path for Nigeria’s WASH sector


    WASH

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has announced partnership with development partners to chart a climate-resilient path for the country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that experts at a three-day national workshop gathered to develop the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the sector on Wednesday in Abuja. 

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the sector’s role in promoting dignified lives and sustainable development amid climate change challenges.

    Utsev, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said climate change presents a significant threat to humanity, impacting WASH services globally.

    He noted that the hazards of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in WASH facilities, leading to social and economic risks.

    He added that “in Nigeria, only 10 per cent of households have access to basic WASH services, while 23 per cent lack basic water supply, according to the 2021 WASHNORM report.

    “These include increased household medical expenses, reduced agricultural productivity and higher incidences of civil unrest.”

    These figures, he added, underscored the urgency to address climate-related risks in the sector.

    He cited recent cholera outbreaks as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust WASH services in the country.

    According to him, the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges head-on, providing comprehensive framework for assessing climate impacts across geopolitical zones.”

    Utsev urged participants to prioritise behavioural change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement for climate-resilient WASH services.

    “This plan is about long-term solutions to ensure climate resilience in WASH infrastructure and practices to benefit future generations.

    “Education on climate-resilient practices is essential for both children and adults to foster sustainable habits,” he said.

    While calling on stakeholders to play active roles in the initiative, the minister assured the ministry’s resolve to continue to allocate resources and create an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.

    Earlier, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, highlighted the critical impact of flooding in Nigeria, affecting 34 out of 36 states.

    He explained that “as of November 2022, the situation had a devastating impact on 3.2 million people, resulting in 600 deaths and displacing 1.1 million individuals.

    “Erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels are increasingly challenging the maintenance of Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure, particularly during floods and droughts.

    “Flooding causes severe damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, and it can also harm water and sanitation facilities.

    “This pollution of water sources and damage to sanitation systems increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.

    “Drought, on the other hand, reduces the availability of safe drinking water for households.

    “This scarcity makes it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices during climate crises.”

    Babarinde emphasised that the situation not only poses immediate health risks to families but has far-reaching impacts on education and the economy.

    He noted that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan assesses Nigeria’s current climate conditions across geopolitical zones and proposes innovative solutions to enhance WASH services.

    On his part, UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranjibi Tirawi, said climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity today, impacting every sector, including water services.

    He explained that majority of hhouseholdsin the country already face challenges with limited access to quality water services, underscoring the timeliness of collaborative efforts to change the narrative.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WaterAid, state water agencies and the Ministerial Advisory Council, urging collective action to protect those most affected, particularly at the grassroots. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Climate Change:Agency moves to restore water within Wamako, environs

    Climate Change: Agency moves to restore water within Wamako, environs

    Water

    By Abigael Joshua

    Abuja, June, 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Wednesday in Abuja promised to restore water availability within Wamako area of Sokoto and its environs.

    Mr Clement Nze, Director of NIHSA made the promise at a workshop on improving Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) knowledge -based management and governance of the Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS).

    The Iullemeden-Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System (ITTAS) is a trans boundary groundwater resources shared by seven countries of Ageria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria.

    Nze was represented by Mr Stephen Jabo, the Director Department of Hydro Geophysics NIHSA.

    He said that several intervention measures were going to be taken in the course of the project, to restore water balance in Wamako, so that the water balance and sustainability would be restored to that area.

    He reiterated that it had been observed that this remote Sokoto river had been drying up and only flowed during the rainy season, which he said was due to the impact of climate change.

    “Ideally this has been a river that is perennial in nature over the years but suddenly due to impact of climate change and human activity has affected the water resources.

    “NIHSA is charged with the responsibility of assessment and management of the country’s water resources and has in accordance with its mandate been implementing the project,” Nze said.

    According to him, the project is being implemented by 11 countries, namely Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Nigeria, Niger, Mali and Mauritania.

    “It is under the central coordination of an agency called Sahara and Sahel Observatory (SOS) based in Tunisia, the project is majorly funded by Global Environment Facility GEF and the project is about both surface and groundwater resources.

    “The Niger basin is about surface water, which mainly focuses on the river Niger, which is the largest transboundary River in Nigeria.
    “Now, this project has identified a particular water resources problem in the sokoto river basin,”he said.

    Dr Thomas Adebayo, Communication Consultant on the project, noted that communication was essential on implementing the project, looking at how they could address issue of water quality.

    “Now the water quality is actually hampered by some activities that people do.

    “These are problems of drilling of boreholes, some practices by farmers, drainages pattern, indiscriminate waste disposal experienced in sokoto, Katsina, and its environs.

    “The issue of communication comes into place because we need to actually address Nigerians, the communities, stakeholders on processes that affect water quality and areas we should help government ensure that water quality is maintained,” he said.

    Adebayo advised that legal frameworks should be put in place to create more opportunities for feedback system.

    He added that with this, indiscriminate borehole drilling would be addressed as well as the use of water actually prioritised.

    “So communication cuts across every activity of this project because we need to actually be informed of what the project is all about,’’he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIJ/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Cholera: Group urges FG to reintroduce hand washing practices

    Cholera: Group urges FG to reintroduce hand washing practices

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The President of Safe Water Global Initiative, Mr Francis Uzoma, has called for the reintroduction of hand washing practices in public places to curtail the spread of cholera in Nigeria.

    Uzoma made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He emphasised on the need for the practice following the continued reports of widespread of cholera outbreaks in many parts of the country.

    Uzoma advocated for a comprehensive multi-level government collaboration, policy implementation and behavioural change to tackle the issue.

    “I think there is a need for hands-on collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments in handling this issue of cholera in our country.

    “In most of our schools and public places, we need to engage in hand-washing campaigns because currently, few schools have hand-washing facilities.

    “In spite of the media announcements about the outbreaks, it is unfortunate that Lagos State has lost so many precious lives.

    “We are hopeful this will not happen again, and we expect various government agencies and responsible bodies to do more,” he said.

    Uzoma highlighted the importance of scaling up investments in water infrastructure, and ensuring proper allocation of funds for mini-water schemes at the local government levels.

    “When there is an outbreak, most people don’t have safe water they make do with what is available. Access to water is a right according to the UN Convention on Rights to Water.

    “The government should be at the forefront to ensure that citizens have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene,” Uzoma said.

    He also highlighted the need to create a framework for better coordination among international NGOs, multilateral organisations, and government policies, as well as implementing digital tools to enhance water and sanitation projects.

    Uzoma called for streamlining of procurement processes to expedite project implementation for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    He cited the National Water Resources Policy 2016, which projects that national water demand would rise to 16.585 million cubic meters yearly by 2030.

    According to him, this underscores the need for proactive measures to scale up access.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports 1,598 suspected cholera cases across 107 Local Government Areas in 30 states, with Bayelsa accounting for 50 per cent of the cases.

    Efforts to curb the spread of cholera include improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, deploying rapid diagnostic tests, and enhancing surveillance.

    However, challenges such as urban slums, lack of potable water, and limited healthcare infrastructure have continued to hinder various progress.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/NNO/JPE

    ===========

    Edited by Nick Nicholas

  • Water Resources: Groups seek support for FG

    Water Resources: Groups seek support for FG
    Water
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Empowerment for Unemployed Initiative and Society for Open Governance and Transparency, has urged development partners to support Federal Government’s efforts to transform the nation’s agriculture and water resources sector.
    Mr Igwe Umanta, for the groups said this during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
    He said the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had demonstrated commitment to transform the sector, ensure sustainable development and improve livelihoods for Nigerians.
    He also called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to address water challenges in the country.
    Umanta commended the minister’s dedication to improve access to safe water and food security, adding that the water sector had witnessed remarkable transformation under his leadership.
    He said that Utsev’s leadership in the sector had fostered efficient management and development in the water sector.
    He said his commitment to food security through irrigated agriculture had significantly boosted agricultural productivity.
    This, he said, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    He, therefore, urged development partners to collaborate with the government, while urging the citizenry to scale up support to achieve 100 per cent access to sustainable water and improved sanitation by 2030.
    He urged also governors to collaborate with the Federal Government by investing in water infrastructure. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/CHOM/KUA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • FG reactivates water labs to curb cholera

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, says the ministry has reactivated its laboratories across the six geopolitical zones to curtail further spread of cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

    Utsev spoke  on Tuesday at the ongoing 5th Lagos International Water Conference with the theme “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos.’’

    He said the laboratory facilities would improve the detection and monitoring of cholera cases, aiding in quicker responses and more effective containment measures.

    “This action reflects a proactive approach to public health management and underscores the importance of robust infrastructure in tackling infectious diseases.”

    Utsev said that proactive measures were necessary for extensive public sensitisation on personal hygiene and ensuring the proper treatment or boiling of water and cooking of food and vegetables.

    He emphasised the importance of increased investment in the water and sanitation sector, particularly urging state governors, development partners, and the private sector to prioritise such efforts.

    He reassured that the Federal Government would continue to support states through various interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water and improved sanitation for all.

    The minister stressed the necessity of public-private partnerships, saying such collaborations would attract private investment, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainable service delivery.

    He said that the government would leverage private sector expertise and capital to upgrade existing water infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas.

    The minister also advocated for community-based organisations to mobilise resources and implement low-cost, decentralised solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in the areas of operation and maintenance.

    He underscored the significance of international development assistance in financing water and sanitation projects in Nigeria, saying their contribution to providing grants, loans, and technical assistance was timely.

    Utsev called on state governors and traditional and religious leaders to intensify campaigns against open defecation and to build more decent toilets to discourage the practice, aiming to achieve an open defecation-free status by next year.

    On his part, Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment over the past five years to addressing the water needs of Lagosians.

    He, however, acknowledged the significant gap that still existed in achieving access to clean and safe water.

    The governor called for more practical actions and support from the Federal Government, development partners, and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.

    The three-day International Conference featured presentations from notable figures, including Mrs Jette Bjerrum, the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos.

    Other representatives from USAID and development partners also discussed the role of partnerships and collaboration to change poor water governance in the country.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    TAK/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo