WASH PROG: UNICEF URGES KEBBI, SOKOTO, ZAMFARA GOVT. TO IMPROVES FUNDING.
FROM : AYODELE AJOGE, BIRNIN-KEBBI.
The Head of unicef's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria, Dr. Jane Bevan has called on the government of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States to improves on its counterpart funding for the overall collaboration and improvement of the Water Sanitaion and hygiene programmes between the three States and the Unicef.
Dr. Bevan who spoke via zoom at a one day appraisal workshop on one year activitiesas of WASH programme in the three States expressed satisfaction at the level commitments by the three States and call for more funding of the programme.
The Secretary to the Kebbi State Government who was represente at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Garuba Hamisu pledged to redeem its promised of N218,133,334.00, counterpart funding to the (UNICEF) programme of Water Sanitation And Hygiene (WASH).
Just as Sokoto and Zamfara state governments urged the international partners as takeholders to sustain the sanitation programme across the three States.
It would be recalled that,WASH programme was inaugurated by UNICEF for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states last year, to improve water supply,hygiene and sanitation among children and women in rural areas.
According to the SSG, the Kebbi state Government has straightened its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency as well as directed the creation of WASH departments in all the 21 local government areas.
“I am happy to inform you that very soon,the state government will redeem its pledge of N218,133,334.00 counterpart funding for the success of the intervention. We must not forget that,this project, although, partner driven,is for the overall wellbeing of our people. We should put all hands on deck to mobilise and ensure that the intervention is successful". He said.
The Secretary to Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Kabir Balarabe in his good will message at the event, said that provision of drinkable water and hygiene are part of the security measures that should be given to the people at their respective areas.