Dignitaries present at the event
By Omolara Akintoye
Government have been urged to make Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) a top national priority by investing in viable and sustainable water systems that delivers value and champions them as the key drivers of economic progress, development, health, among others.
The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Mere represented by the Executive Director, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), Mr Henry Adenigba, stated this at the Commemoration of World Water Day held at Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School, Ojodu, Lagos
According to Mere, this year’s theme ‘Accelerating Change’ is apt as it beckons on everyone to play their part in ending the water and sanitation crisis. “For citizens to make a difference by changing the way they use, consume and manage water and the willingness to pay appropriate tariffs to ensure cost recovery for sustainability. For government of the world to make WASH a top national priority by investing in viable and sustainable water systems that delivers value” said Mere.
Speaking further, Mere pointed out that the lastest report by WHO reveals and outbreak of cholera in 22 Countries globally with 1Billion people in 43 countries at risk. “Invariably, this shows the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene as crucial in helping communities build resilience to the effects of climate change. We have proved that real progress is possible with increased access to WASH achieved in the last 20 years. But this is still too low, even more so, the outbreaks threatens to reverse progress” Mere warned.
Mere reveals that data from the 2021 WASHNORM survey shows that 98 per cent of households in Lagos State have access to basic water supply.
“However, about 85 per cent are served through private boreholes and unregulated vendors and service providers. This compromises quality as these water sources could be unfit for consumption and exacerbates the risk of water borne disease” she said.
WaterAid, Mrs. Mere said is currently working with stakeholders to build a business case to secure funding from development finance institutions to attract funding to rehabilitate
a major water scheme.
“This is to demonstrate that it is possible to increase access to safe water for the people of Lagos State through effective and functional utilities. This is our way of accelerating change ” she revealed.
Overall Winner of School Presentation, Secondary Schools Category: Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammar School, Ojodu
While commending State government under the leadership of Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, WaterAid urges the State govt to expedite action on the commitment to having a State WASH policy and the funds budgeted for sustainable functional and sustainable water facilities in health care facilities, Schools and Communities.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, represented by Director, Water Resources, Engr. Mrs. Omolanke Taiwo said this year’s theme emphasis the need to speed up efforts towards achieving sustainable water management practices.
Her words, “To accelerate change and secure progress on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the Lagos State govt in collaboration with the private sector are working together to promote sustainable water practices. This includes investment in infrastructure and technologies that improves access to clean water, reducing water waste while promoting water conservation and efficiency”.
In order to achieve this, Taiwo pointed out that the needs of women, girls, the vulnerable and marginalized Communities must be taken into consideration in order to deliver access to clean water and safe sanitation
The Principal, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary Schools, Mrs Osunrinde A.O urges students to always promote best hygiene practices.
Other side attractions include various School presentation in Drama, Songs Poetry by the School Environmental Health Clubs (SEHC) members to emphasize the importance of water to human life, animals and plants.
The event was organised by WaterAid in collaboration with the Lagos State Government with the support of Coca Cola Bottling Company, Kimberly–Clark Foundation and HUFFPED.
Schools represented at the event include : Ojodu Primary School 1, Ojodu Primary School 11, Ojodu Primary School 111, Ojodu Junior Grammer School, Ojodu Junior High School, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School and Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammer School.
