Ismail Adebayo, Birnin Kebbi
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammed Mera has lauded the water and sanitation interventions by Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) in his domain.
The emir while commissioning water and sanitation facilities at Sanwa said the I- wash facilities commissioned in the various communities of Argungu would curb cases of cholera, other waterborne diseases, and socio-economic challenges in the area.
The emir who was represented by the Kundudan Kabi, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Kwaido at the commissioning ceremony said "Water is a key factor in sanitation and hygiene for the prevention of diseases. If we must curb cases of cholera and other waterborne diseases we must provide portable water for the communities and schools", the royal father said. The royal father said he was particularly happy that the water and sanitation projects by GHI have touched many lives and those of children in schools and communities where the projects were commissioned. He enjoined the communities to take ownership of the facilities, and maintain and protect them for sustainability.
Speaking earlier, Chief Executive/President of GHI, Engineer Sadiq Abubakar Gulma, and Chief of Party I-WASH, Dr Hamza Jakada said the objective of the water, and sanitation facilities is to reduce cases of waterborne diseases and associated social economic challenges. Engineer Gulma said people have wells in their homes but they are contaminated. "Many people have died as a result of this and others get infected. Consumption of potable water like this will reduce cases of waterborne diseases and cholera in the areas we have commissioned the water and sanitation facilities.
"Every year we have cases of cholera in Nigeria occasioned by poor water contamination. With this intervention, they will have good health and will be able to deal with their social economic activities. We visited 10 LGAs in the state and find out that 3 local government areas of Argungu, Kalgo, and Geandu are most deprived in this regard.
"Apart from Argungu, we are also working in Kalgo and Gwandu. We noticed that in interventions like this sustainability is low so we design our intervention with sustainability. If by tomorrow the facilities break down we are working with a private partnership that will ensure the functionality of the facilities", Engineer Gulma said.
Sanwa community leader, Alhaji Muhammad Tajuddeen while commending GHI for the water and sanitation facilities said "With this our children can now stop roaming around in search of water. See how they are all happy when they see water flowing from the taps.
"Our people can now drink portable water, live a healthy life and remain strong for daily activities. We are appreciative of the provision the water and sanitation facilities in our community", he said.
In another development, On the 30th of November, 2022 Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) commissioned water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities at Dangoma Junior Secondary School in Kalgo, Kebbi State, under the project for Improved sustainability of Integrated WASH services with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The school principal, Nasiru Garba commended GHI for the water and sanitation facilities. He said the students were happy and appreciative of the project.
GHI said the project aims to increase sustainable access to improved and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene services in underserved schools, primary health centers, and communities across Gwandu, Kalgo, and Argungu local government areas of Kebbi State.
According to the Project design, the GHI has constructed 14 new Solar Powered Water facilities, rehabilitated 20 boreholes, constructed 10 new sanitation (toilets) facilities, and 10 new hand washing facilities for schools, primary health centers, and communities across the target areas.
The project was said to have impacted around 46,000 beneficiaries with the provision of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. Furthermore, the GHI supported State and Local government institutions as well as communities to promote safe sanitation and hygiene behavior and good water resources management.
Facilities at Dangoma were commissioned and declared open by Hajiya Aisha Usman, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. In her speech, she commended the GHI for the extensive work and impact in the WASH sector of Kebbi State. She also assured of the State Government's support to improving WASH services in Kebbi State.
Chief Executive Officer of GHI, Engineer Abubakar Sadiq Gulma commended Kebbi State Government, communities, and other relevant stakeholders for their support throughout the Project implementation.
He noted that the vision to reduce water-borne diseases is now being realized in Kebbi State through the I-WASH Project and other efforts from the State Government and relevant partners in the sector.
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