USAID Completes $3.5 Million WASH Projects In 60 Communities In Jigawa, Kano
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has handed over Water and Sanitation projects provided at the cost of $3.5 million in Jigawa and Kano states.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Party on Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) project, Mr. Simeon Nyiakaa, in a speech delivered at the handing over of the projects in Dutse, Jigawa state capital.
“It is my immense pleasure and honour to welcome you all today to the official close out and hand over of Partners for Development (PfD) Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) Activity products, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“This moment marks the culmination of PfD’s three years of dedicated effort and collaborations in Kano and Jigawa states.
“The three years projects commenced on August 1, 2021 with the aim of reducing the occurrence of waterborne diseases among targeted population especially children, women and the elderly in underserved and rural communities of the twa states,” he said.
Nyiakaa said the projects targeted 66,000 residents to have access to basic water and 123,000 persons to basic sanitation with 55 improved water supply systems and 50 improved sanitation facilities in public institution including schools and primary healthcare centres in the two states.
“Here in Jigawa the programme had achieved in the 32 communities of Jigawa state, that is 17 communities of Kaugama and 15 communities of Miga LGAs where the project (WISE) firstly established and trained 62 water caretakers and local area mechanics, 102 water, sanitation, and hygiene committees (WASHCOMs), and 102 artisans in each of our targeted communities”.
He said that the effort was to drive WASH service delivery and management, and ensure that the ownership and sustainability of installed WASH facilities remain strong.
“Secondly, WISE has successfully installed and sustained the operations of 55 improved water facilities in rural communities of Kaugama and Miga LGAs in the State, including 14 in schools and three healthcare facilities,” the official added.
The Chief of Party maintained that the facilities are currently providing potable water to over 42,000 rural community residents at 20 liters per person per day, which surpassed the initial target of 33,000 beneficiaries, thus ensuring more people have access to safe and sustainable drinking water in the state.
He added that WISE has installed 18 improved and gender-responsive sanitation facilities in 14 public schools and four healthcare facilities within the 32 rural communities, and has supported over 6,000 households, approximately 60,000 individuals, in constructing and using their own safely managed latrines.
“The initiatives have significantly reduced open defecation with 28 of the 32 project communities certified as Open Defecation Free by Jigawa State and National Sanitation Task Groups,” he said.
Nyiakaa stated further that under the project, 193 women facilitators were trained on financial literacy and business skills, while over 89 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) were formed with more than 1,350 members, including 1,200 women in 32 rural communities,
“These initiatives have not only enhanced women’s financial independence but also fostered household resilience,” the USAID official said.
The Commissioner of Water Resources in the state, Mal. Ibrahim Garba, said the state government would ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, and would scale up and sustain the programme.
The commissioner said that the state’s Small Towns Water Supply Agency, (STOWA) and Rural Water Supply Agency (RUWASA) will continue support any programmes that will enhance water resources management and service delivery.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment in implementing legal frameworks, policies and procedures on WASH services, and provide the technical expertise and resources required.
