WaterAid, in collaboration with Diageo, has launched the fourth phase of its Water Replenishment Project in Oyo State, Nigeria.
The initiative, led by WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere who was represented by Project Manager Idowu Adebayo aimed at improving access to clean water and promoting good hygiene practices, specifically targeting 5,000 individuals, particularly women, in farming communities.
The first phase of the Water Replenishment Project successfully provided clean water to farming communities in four states (Edo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi) as well as Abuja, reaching a total of 21,000 people.
Mere emphasized the importance of water for sustainable development, socio-economic progress, community well-being, and human survival saying access to clean water would not only reduce the global burden of disease but also enhance the health, welfare, and productivity of populations.
Her words: “National statistics by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey shows that 185 million Nigerians still lack access to basic water supply services.
“In Oyo state, 29% of residents do not have access to clean water and only 7% of the population have combined access to sanitation and hygiene services. That is why we need to accelerate efforts to achieve then 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene is normal for everyone, everywhere.”
She said the project’s objectives which include; delivering water services tailored to the specific needs of each community, promoting hygiene practices through targeted messaging, improving health outcomes, and enhancing productivity would strengthen community management structures, promote gender equity by encouraging women’s active participation in the project and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
She added that the lack of access to water and sanitation services hampers economic growth, as individuals are compelled to spend valuable time searching for these essential services, which could otherwise be utilized for more productive activities.
“A lack of access to water and hygiene services stunts economic growth as people are forced to use valuable time in search of these services which should be more productive activities.” she said.
The Acting General Manger, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Adeniyi Adeduntan, said the initiative represents a significant step towards addressing water scarcity and improving living conditions in farming communities.
While commending WaterAid, he added that by providing clean water and promoting hygiene practices, the partnership strives to empower communities, foster economic development, and enhance the overall well-being of the population in Oyo State.
Other relevant stakeholders present includes, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Local Government Representatives among others.
