19/11/2024
Accelerating WASH Progress in Borno State: Key Priorities for a Roadmap to End Open Defecation. By Engr. Dr. Mohammed Musa Aliyu, General Manager Ruwassa Borno State
Building on previous discussions regarding sanitation challenges, statewide ODF successes, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign,
this presentation highlights Borno State's WASH Agenda and crucial actions within the ODF Roadmap to bridge water supply and sanitation gaps.
"Sanitation challenges in Borno State and the need to set priorities”. We have listened to the previous presenters on sanitation challenges, statewide ODF successes in Nigeria, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign. My presentation will highlight the WASH Agenda for Borno state and unveil some of the key priority actions contained in the ODF Roadmap, which will contribute to addressing some of the water supply and sanitation gaps highlighted by earlier presenters. I will conclude that, today’s event; the launching of Borno ODF Roadmap for ending open defecation and the campaign for open defecation-free Borno State is one of the ways of advancing the WASH Agenda.
Today's achievement adds to the tremendous successes recorded in WASH by the administration of Prof. Zulum. Distinguished participants, kindly permit me to digress briefly and update you on the WASH achievements of the Borno State Government through RUWASSA alone. The current administration has so far constructed 225 solar-powered boreholes, rehabilitated 340 solar-powered boreholes, constructed 358 hand pumps, and rehabilitated 490 hand pumps across the state.
The present government has also completed water works in Ngarannam, Azare, and Moramti, with ongoing projects at Shokwari, Madinatu, and Zarmari, bringing the total number of six water works when completed. Additionally, two water works supported by UNICEF are ongoing in Damboa and Shani. The state government has also approved the conversion of 48 deep boreholes in Maiduguri and Jere to hybrid systems to supplement the water treatment plant.
Moreover, the government has approved the construction of seven additional water works in Nganzai, Gajiram, Bama, Magumeri Town, Gajiganna, Kaleri, and Mafa Town, as well as the drilling of 10 additional Lower Aquifer Boreholes and 50 Upper Aquifer boreholes across the state. In addition, 10 standard earth dams are being constructed, alongside hundreds of toilets, CLTS initiatives, and ongoing hygiene promotion activities across the state.
In the ODF Roadmap, the key priorities that each of our institutions share responsibility for actualizing are clearly outlined. As the head of one of the technical agencies, I am fully aware that for Borno State to meet these priorities and targets in the WASH agenda, it will depend on the support of leading institutions such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Planning, and others.
Your role is crucial in fostering collaboration, networking across institutions, and mobilizing resources to implement sanitation promotion and improve access to water supply. Success is achievable when we collectively commit to pursuing these priorities; without that commitment, collective failure becomes inevitable. I submit that, a functional inter-ministerial steering committee (IMSC) that is planning, organizing, supervising, directing, and coordinating the delivery of WASH services is the second keyway to advance the WASH Agenda in the state.
Without assuming a common understanding of the WASH agenda in Borno State, it is important to first contextualise the discussion and then highlight the key priorities, as well as the crucial role of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee in advancing the WASH agenda.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Target 6.1 and 6.2 define a global WASH agenda: by 2030, ensure universal access to safe and affordable water for everyone. The target for sanitation is: by 2030, ensure access to equitable, affordable, and acceptable sanitation and hygiene for all, with special attention to the needs of women, children, and those with disabilities.
Nigeria, as a country, has domesticated the SDGs through the National Action Plan for the revitalization of the WASH sector and the Clean Nigeria - Use the Toilet Campaign, both of which include clear targets for Borno State. For Nigeria to meet the SDG goals, Borno State must fulfill its share of the targets. Nigeria cannot achieve the SDGs if people in Borno still practice open defecation, or lack access to safe drinking water at home, in schools, hospitals, markets, and transit areas.
The Government of Borno State, alongside international partners, is making purposeful strides to improve access to potable water, eliminate open defecation, promote hygiene behaviours, and ultimately achieve SDG 6 through various related water and sanitation programs. This, in essence, defines the WASH agenda in Borno State.
Within Borno State, the Borno 25-year development plan can only be realised by pursuing the State's WASH agenda. WASH is crucial for achieving the outcomes of each of the five development pillars: human capital development, leadership in agriculture, a healthy citizenry, a sustainable environment, and becoming a regional trade hub. The WASH agenda is of even greater priority now, as we emerge from a complex emergency with fragile communities and transition into a state of more resilient people—ensuring that no one is left behind.
Human capital development can only be achieved through the successful implementation of WASH initiatives. Every day, our people lose productive man-hours, amounting to millions of Naira in GDP, due to illnesses that could be prevented by ensuring access to clean water and promoting proper sanitation practices. Cholera has become an annual nightmare, and families continue to spend money on treating preventable illnesses. Additionally, children lose valuable learning hours as they spend time searching for water before they can attend school. These challenges not only impact educational outcomes but also reduce the overall productivity of our people.
To reverse this situation, it is essential to ensure that girls have access to gender-separate toilets in schools and public places, that households own and use safe toilets, and that people have reliable access to clean water at home. This, I believe, is the third keyway to advance the WASH agenda.
Poor access to WASH services will hinder the achievement of key health outcomes. Without a healthy citizenry, the state cannot reclaim its leadership in agriculture. Sanitation is closely linked to a clean environment, and to become a true trade hub, we must recognise that WASH is also directly connected to tourism.
Let us also bear in mind that WASH is not only a contributor to these stated development outcomes but also a fundamental right that must be upheld. We must rise to this occasion with a greater sense of accountability to provide the essential services needed by our people. It is in this context that I present, today, the key priorities in the ODF Roadmap to advance Borno's WASH agenda, starting from today. These priorities are:
Fostering collaboration to ensure the development of appropriate policies and an enabling environment to address WASH gaps. For example, where are the policy provisions to encourage private sector participation, secure adequate funding for WASH, develop systems for f***l sludge management, and guarantee acceptable water quality management.
Ensure access to water and sanitation facilities in schools and health centers, with separate provisions for males and females, and with hygiene practices in place. A budget for WASH facilities in all educational and health institutions must be provided and implemented under coordinated oversight.
Every household in the state should have access to safe water either within their premises or at least 30 meters from their dwelling. This means we must include the water component in all development partner-supported programs for health and education.
Aim for a state where no one practices open defecation, and everyone has access to affordable, usable, and acceptable sanitation facilities. For a statewide campaign to be successfully implemented, we must leverage human resources from various institutions to ensure coverage across the entire state.
Actively mobilize resources and leverage partnerships to provide access to water and sanitation in public places, such as markets and transit locations, across the state. Additionally, we must develop a sanitation market with skilled workers supporting households in constructing their latrines, as well as accessible financing opportunities to accelerate the uptake of household sanitation construction.
Let me conclude by saying that all institutions, by working in closer collaboration, can achieve the priorities mentioned above. The Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee will serve as a platform to foster coordination, build synergy, ensure oversight, and monitor outcomes. As you can see, advancing the WASH agenda requires the collective effort of us all."
Thank you, and may Almighty Allah Bless You
