From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund(UNICEF) has declared that it would contribute N220 million for two years for water and sanitation project in Kebbi State for two years.
The Chief Field officer of UNICEF in charge of Sokoto and Kebbi states, Dr. Muhammad Muhiydin stated this, on Wednesday, in Birnin- Kebbi, during a press conference to mark 2017 water day titled “why waste water”, noted that the projects will be supported by European Union.
According to him, ” To be in line with Northern Nigeria context, the focus in Kebbi state is on “sustaining access to safe drinking water and cultivating a waters saving”, in urban, peri-urban and rural communities.
” While working toward increasing access to safe drinking water for more communities, schools, health institutions, markets, offices, industries and other public places. It is important that all water users and all water service providers, water board, RUWASSA, private operators, individuals work towards ensuring that every drop of safe water is kept safe and never wasted.
” Starting this year, UNICEF will contribute 220 million naira for a 2-year water and sanitation project in Kebbi which is supported by European Union . Water and sanitation intervention will aim to address the poor coverage of water and sanitation at some of the priority Primary Health Centres ensuring that there is sustained access to water and sanitation facilities “.
Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural development, Alhaji Bala Sani Kangiwa represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammed Musa Kamba disclosed that over 300 water scheme have been repaired in the state while about ten locations in the state have been located that would be provided with bore holes.
He added that about a billions have been spent on provision of portable water in Arewa local government areas of the state stressed that the state government are working hard to tackles water problems in rural areas.