RESUSCITATE MORIBUND WATER SCHEMES – STAKEHOLDERS CHARGE SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS
REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI
Governments of the five South-Eastern states have been called upon to demonstrate greater commitment, transparency and professionalism in revamping moribund water schemes across the region.
Speakers made the call at the second South East Regional Water Conference with the theme: “Towards Effective WASH Governance in Nigeria,” held in Awka Anambra State.
In an address, the Director, National Water Resources Capacity Building Network, South East Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, identified poor capacity or total absence of it as a gap which must be closed while he also called for adequate budgetary provision to the water sector by various state governors.
“I cannot end this address without mentioning a word on our march towards SDG goal of 2030 on universal access to water and sanitation, especially SDG goal 6: 1and 2 by 2023.
“This requires our collective efforts to ensure that this goal is realized on target in the South East despite our current low performance in the sector,” Dr. Ezenwaji said.
The Director-General, National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, represented by Dr. Yahaya, described the theme of the conference as appropriate and timely considering the nation’s desire to meet SDGs goal 6.
According to him, effective WASH governance is imperative for societal development.
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Charles Esimone, charged stakeholders to confront the challenge of making quality water accessible to the populace.
He said, “this University is convinced that capacity building is critical to resuscitating WASH in the country. Let it not end here. Let us keep collaborating until we reach that goal.”
The royal father of the day, Igwe Ben Emeka, challenged the governors of the five South Eastern states to show leadership in restoring the good old days when water was accessible to every household at affordable cost.
The Commissioner for Water and Power in Anambra State, who represented the state govenor, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka, expresressed regret that over 70% of facilities scattered across the state were not functional.
He maintained that making quality water accessible to people would reduce the burden of diseases drastically.
“The South East zone faces a major crisis in water. For me, resuscitation of our water facilities is key. But, we must pay attention to management.
“We must carry the communities along to achieve community ownership and sustainability. Anambra is experimenting that with the Neni community under its Public-Private-Community-Partnership,” the Commissioner noted.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Enugu State, represented by Mrs. Chinonye Nnabuchi, expressed the confidence that the synergy incubated by the centre in the zone would grow from capacity to perfection in training Nigerians professionally for the required expertise for nation building.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
