By Stephen Adeleye
An NGO, the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Kogi chapter, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Kogi Ministry of Water Resources on Improved water quality and end open defecation in the state.
The State Coordinator of NEWSAN Team, Pastor Mrs Roseline Alabi, stated this during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner of Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya M.D Farouk, on Thursday in Lokoja.
Alabi said the visit was to familiarized with the ministry and give supports through advisory and partnership roles in projecting the ministry to an enviable height in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular.
According to her, scaling up good sources of water, ending open defecation and improving on water distribution in Kogi State are very important to the group
“Of recent, we observed that the Commissioner of Water resources, Mr Yahaya Farouk is already working on providing water to all, through your unrelenting efforts.
“We, as team members are also appreciating Kogi Gov.Alhaji Ahmed Ododo for putting a round peg in a round hole.
“According the population of Kogi State in Nigeria is approximately 4.2m and every citizen needs water. Without water, there will be no good health.
“Therefore water is central and it is expected according to MDG goal 6 by year 2030 the following will be achieve,
“Achieve Universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
” Improve water quality and reduce pollutions, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
“We pledge our loyalty and support to the Ministry of Water Resources through one advisory and collaborative roles, I pray for you as the team lead that sound heath, good success. Alabi said.
In His response, the Commissioner commended the NEWSAN team for the visit and their commitment to collaborate with the ministry in ensuring improved quality water supply to residents.
Farouk said there was need for partnership with Civil Society Organizations to help actualize the restructuring and revolution of water in the State.
He assured Kogi citizens of access to good water, adding that all efforts to make water accessible to the people has reached 95 per cent completion.
The Commissioner added that all Kogi communities will be reconnected and have access to water.
He emphasized the need for communities to protect water facilities in their area from vandalization which according to him, has been the major set back for the ministry.
“Going forward the ministry will carry communities and traditional rulers of every community along on ensuring that all the vandalized water facilities that are replaced are well protected hence forth to avoid further setbacks in the water sector.
“As government is working the people are stealing the resources, I urge Kogites to imbibe the culture of protecting Government facilities in their communities to help foster more developments.
“I am also calling on Civil Society Organizations in the state to help propagate the need for protection of government facilities in our communities. Farouk said.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Commissioner of Water Resources with Clean Nigeria Emblem as an Ambassador for Water by NEWSAN.
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