Wateraid wants Nigerian government to redouble efforts on access to WASH

By Reporter

July 28, 2020 – Wateraid, an International NGO is calling on the Nigerian government at all levels to redouble their efforts in ensuring access to Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, (WASH), especially in the country’s rural communities.

Mrs Oluseyi Abdulmalik, Communication and Media Manager of Wateraid Nigeria made the call on Tuesday in a statement made available to the Humanitarian Post.

Abdulmalik said that the access to WASH would help cushion the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), adding that Nigeria was still lagging behind in the accessibility of WASH

The Wateraid Communications’ and Media Manager said accelerated efforts by governments will help in achieving the goal and wining the war against the pandemic.

“While there has been progress over the last 10 years, there is still a long way to go in ensuring universal access (to WASH) for everyone, everywhere.

“Nigeria’s 10-year progress has been commendable, but slow, and we are calling on our leaders to double their investments in providing clean water and good hygiene to those most at need.

“The effort is mostly needed particularly as we continue to face the COVID-19 crisis.

“Clean water, decent toilet and good hygiene services transform lives and improve livelihood.

“To make these basic needs normal for everyone, everywhere, within a generation, we must keep taps running, toilets working, and reinforce good hygiene behaviours,” she said.

Abdulmalik said that Wateraid had commissioned about 10 visual artistes across the globe, including Nigeria, to bring to the fore the importance of WASH as it marks 10 years anniversary.

She said visual artistes were expected to interpret the far-reaching impact access to clean water and decent sanitation had on people’s lives.

She added that the project was to let people know the vital role these basics play in the realisation of other human rights

The Humanitarian Post reports that July 28, 2020, marks 10 years that the UN General Assembly recognized water and sanitation as vital human rights, which should be made accessible to every human being