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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Following the successes recorded in the implementation of Phase I and II of the Scale-Up-Hygiene project by WaterAid Nigeria with support from the Heineken Africa Foundation in six states of the country, the third phase of the project has been officially launched.
The launching of the project which will run for 9 months to be implemented in three states of Bauchi, Enugu and Oyo was held in Bauchi on Thursday.
The phase III of the project will build on the achievements of the first and second phases to strengthen governance structures for sustainable management of WASH service delivery, increase access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene services as well as support the control of the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer, WaterAid Nigeria, Masheke Mallo, while giving an overview of the project at the launching said that the objective of the phase 3 of the project is to deepen hygiene promotion to control the spread of COVID-19 in the targeted states.
It also to ensure the sustainability of existing Hand-washing facilities in selected public locations and institutions in the target states and Advocate for technical support to improve WASH governance for sustainable WASH services.
He also said that during the third phase, WaterAid will deepen its partnerships with the governments of Bauchi, Enugu and Oyo States, Ministries or Water Resources, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies, Civil Society Organizations and the media for effective delivery.
He added that WaterAid will also work with the Ministries of health and Primary Health Care Development Agencies to tackle the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.
Masheke Mallo further said that under the project, WaterAid is targeting to reach 9,375 people with Hand-washing facilities, 5 million people with Hygiene messages via mass media and 15,000 people through the community based campaigns in the three states of Bauchi Enugu and Oyo.
While launching the new project, Acting General Manager of Bauchi RUWASSA, Engineer Ibrahim Yusuf commended WaterAid Nigeria and Heineken Africa Foundation for the projects implemented in the First and Second Phases saying that the state has really benefited immensely.
The RUWASSA Boss said that considering the importance of WASH issues in the society particularly in the rural communities, RUWASSA will continue to partner with relevant agencies in ensuring a safer environment.
He appreciated the launch of the Third phase of the project in the state assuring that the agency will actively participate in the implementation of the project to ensure that the objectives are achieved.
