The Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF, has called on Akwa Ibom and Cross River governments to develop sustainable financing models for the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, projects. This appeal comes as Nigeria joins the global commemoration of World Water Day, which this year focuses on the theme 'Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows'.
The theme highlights the challenges faced by women and girls in water-scarce communities, where poor access to safe and reliable water negatively impacts their health, dignity, education, and economic opportunities. In Akwa Ibom, where sanitation and hygiene facilities were approved nearly a year ago, the projects remain uncommissioned, affecting women and girls in schools and public places.
According to Umo Isua-Ikoh, Coordinator of PPDF, lack of safe and private sanitation facilities is a major concern, particularly in communities where women and girls are forced to resort to open defecation. Isua-Ikoh also urged the governments to consolidate environmental health functions, intensify grassroots sensitisation on hygiene practices, and establish regulatory bodies to oversee WASH projects.
While acknowledging the progress made by the Akwa Ibom State Government, including the approval of the State WASH Policy and the enactment of the Water Sector Law in 2022, Isua-Ikoh expressed concern over the slow implementation of these initiatives.
The Akwa Ibom and Cross River state governments must take concrete steps to address the pressing issue of water scarcity, particularly in rural communities where women and girls bear the brunt of inadequate sanitation facilities. By mandating functional WASH departments and setting up regulatory bodies, these governments can ensure that water and sanitation projects are implemented efficiently and effectively. The timely release of funds and the establishment of inclusive sanitation infrastructure in schools and public spaces are also crucial to addressing this issue. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the commitment of these governments to prioritising the needs of their citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
