Nasarawa State Government Endorses Fourth Phase of WASH Project to Enhance Rural Water Quality

The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to improving the living conditions of rural communities by ensuring access to safe and quality drinking water. This commitment was highlighted during a one-day State Central Dissemination Meeting organized by the Society for Family Health (SFH) under the WASH for Healthy Lives (W4HL) initiative, held at the AWA Diamond Hotel in Lafia.

Hon. Mohamed Agah Muluku, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, emphasized the state's resolve to support the fourth phase of the W4HL project. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the initiative during its first three phases, which benefited communities in Karu, Nasarawa, and Obi Local Government Areas. Hon. Muluku expressed optimism that the fourth phase would further enhance water quality and public health in rural areas.

Mr. Nnamdi Anosike, the W4HL Project Coordinator, provided an overview of the project's impact since its inception in Nasarawa State in 2022. He noted that the initial phases successfully piloted clean water solutions in the aforementioned LGAs, providing rural dwellers with sustainable access to safe drinking water. The fourth phase, set to commence in April 2025, will expand to Nasarawa and Edo States, focusing on infrastructure development, including borehole drilling, to prevent cholera outbreaks and other waterborne diseases.

Key stakeholders also pledged their support for the initiative. Dr. Kana Ahmad Abubakar, General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, promised technical assistance and data support to ensure the project's success. Dr. John Damina, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, assured SFH of the ministry's readiness to collaborate. Similarly, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, reiterated the agency's commitment to partnering with donor organizations to achieve the project's objectives.

The Ministry of Sports, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan, emphasized the importance of providing quality drinking water to youth, while the Ministry of Education highlighted plans to integrate WASH clubs and school assemblies into the project to promote health and wellness in semi-urban and rural schools.

The meeting served as a strategic platform for stakeholders to outline a roadmap for the successful implementation of the W4HL project in Nasarawa State, setting the stage for improved water quality and public health outcomes in 2025 and beyond.