In an effort to improve access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities, the Federal Government of Nigeria has called on its contractors involved in the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) program to strictly adhere to established standards and specifications.
Dr. Nicholas Madu, the Director of Water Supply and Support Services in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, delivered this message during the launch of the 2022/2023 PEWASH Project Implementation at a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr. Madu emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality services for the Nigerian population through the PEWASH program. He made it clear that any form of unethical conduct or subpar project execution would not be tolerated.
The meeting served as an opportunity to acquaint the contractors with the program’s objectives and to underscore the importance of complying with the specified standards. According to Dr. Madu, “It is important because we want to be sure of the quality of the services we are delivering for the Nigerian people. So we are going to hold the contractors strictly accountable for that. And in certifying their jobs, we will not accept anything short of the standards that we have set in our documents, so we must emphasize that and we insist on that.”
The PEWASH program for 2022/2023 is currently being implemented in five states, namely Kaduna, Katsina, Delta, Gombe, and Nasarawa. These projects have been approved in accordance with the protocols signed with the respective state governments. This national collaboration aims to bridge the access gaps in water supply and sanitation services in rural communities, ultimately contributing to improved public health and the alleviation of poverty.
Dr. Madu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for the program’s success and stressed the importance of delivering projects with both quality and punctuality.
PEWASH National Coordinator, Mrs. Jummai Wakaso, explained that the program is designed to enhance rural water supply and sanitation services, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) to increase access to clean water and sanitation. She pointed out that the program seeks to address the critical issue of water and sanitation-related diseases, which have led to avoidable deaths in many communities.
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Mrs. Wakaso emphasized the program’s success and its acceptance by stakeholders, citing the expansion of the program from its initial implementation in Kano and Ogun states in 2016. She sees this expansion as a testament to the ministry’s unwavering determination to achieve its established objectives.
The PEWASH program continues to be a beacon of hope for rural communities in Nigeria, with the Federal Government and its contractors committed to ensuring that the highest standards are met for the benefit of the populace. (Source: NAN)