From Rashidat Suleiman,Minna
Niger State Government, under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, has taken a major step towards improving access to clean water and sanitation through its collaboration with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to implement the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) project.
In preparation for the project’s implementation, the government engaged Enviplan Consultants to conduct a comprehensive study of water facilities across the state, aimed at identifying key challenges and recommending effective solutions.
To foster ownership and stakeholder participation, a two-day validation workshop was held at Al-Zahra Hotel in Minna. The event brought together representatives from the Niger State Government, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the World Bank–funded SURWASH project.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Dams Development, Akilu Musa Kuta, described the initiative as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to revitalize its water sector. He emphasized that the workshop was crucial for validating project reports and findings, which will guide the next phase of implementation to ensure sustainable access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in underserved communities.
Kuta reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank to deliver lasting solutions to water and sanitation challenges.
Presenting the consultants’ findings, the Lead Consultant, Dr. Measheal Alfa, outlined gaps in water supply and proposed strategies aligned with Governor Bago’s “New Niger” agenda. He explained that the SURWASH project, funded through a $700 million World Bank facility, includes a $640 million technical assistance component aimed at improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across participating states, including Niger.
According to Dr. Alfa, the team collected and analyzed extensive data before presenting their findings for validation. Participants at the workshop expressed optimism that the project’s implementation will significantly improve access to clean water, enhance sanitation and hygiene standards, and uplift the living conditions of residents throughout Niger State.