The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Partners for Development (PfD), have handed over improved water and sanitation facilities in Kano and Jigawa States, Northwest Nigeria.
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The projects were executed through Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) interventions (USAID/PfD) from August 2021 to August 2024.
The goal of the projects was to reduce the occurrence and impact of waterborne disease among targeted populations especially children, women and the elderly in underserved and rural communities in Jigawa and Kano States.
Among the objectives was to enhance the understanding of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) status in target locations.
The projects also, provided training to artisans for boreholes and latrine construction, as well as supported over 12, 000 households to construct latrines and management among others.
Records from the Dossiers of Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) Activity for both Jigawa and Kano States indicates that, WISE has provided potable water to over 76,000 rural communities and residents in the states.
This according to the documents, was achieved through installation of 98 improved water facilities, 62 hand pump boreholes and 36 solar powered boreholes including 51 in schools and health facilities.
The records shows that, 55 improved water facilities, were installed in Miga and Kaugama in Jigawa state while 43 is such facilities were installed in Gezawa and Karaye LGA’S of Kano state.
Handing Over the projects in Kano, the WISE Activity Chief from Partners for Development PfD Mr. Simeon Nyiakaa said, the accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and commitment of stakeholders involved.
He stressed the need for the community to ensure sustainability of the facilities.
“As we hand over this project today, let us remember that sustainability is crucial. With support from USAID, PfD has laid a solid foundation, but it is up to all of you to continue this vital work, ensuring that the installed WASH facilities and improved sanitation and hygiene practices are maintained and expanded across the state and to future generations.”
The Director Office of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Empowerment USAID Nigeria Mission Mr. Malick Haidara Since 2008, the US government through the USAID has empowered 70 million people worldwide with access to safe drinking water among many Interventions.
“Today, we did not mark the end of a project, we enrolled the beginning of a brighter, heathier and future generations to come”.
The Kano state Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Development Abbas Sani Abbas expressed the commitment of the state government to ensure sustainability.
Some of the benefitting communities who spoke, expressed gratitude to USAID and PfD for the interventions as it will go a long way in improving sanitation and reduce open defecation.
The WISE projects was funded by USAID and implemented by Partners for Development PfD.
