FCT HEAD OF SERVICE FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF WASH FACILITIES AT KETTI PHC
By: Adama Aminu and Suzanne George Ejewofu
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has flagged off the construction of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre in Ketti, Kabusa Ward, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The ground-breaking ceremony marks the commencement of an intervention aimed at improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for patients, health workers, and residents of Ketti and surrounding communities.
Representing the Head of the Civil Service at the ceremony, the Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jummai Ahmadu, described the ground-breaking as an important project management milestone and a demonstration of the FCT Administration’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Dr. Ahmadu noted that the ceremony also symbolised community ownership and social responsibility, stressing that the sustainability of WASH infrastructure depends largely on the willingness of beneficiaries to take ownership of and protect the facilities.
She said the presence of traditional rulers, women, youths, community members and other stakeholders at the ceremony was significant, as their involvement would help strengthen community ownership and ensure the proper maintenance of the facilities.
The project is being implemented through the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (FCT RUWASSA), in collaboration with UNICEF and China Exim Bank, to strengthen WASH services to beneficiary communities across the FCT.
The ground-breaking event also provided an opportunity for stakeholders, including FCT RUWASSA, UNICEF and China Exim Bank, to reaffirm their commitment to the project and ensure alignment with approved timelines, standards and specifications.
The Permanent Secretary, FCT Common Services, Mr. Rotimi Ajayi, was represented at the event by the Director, FCT RUWASSA, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Chinyere Echoke.
Also, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Dan Gadzama, who was represented by the WASH Desk Officer, Jessica Dazang, made a commitment to strengthening WASH facilities in the various PHCs across the FCT.
In his remarks, the District Head of Ketti, Chief Joshua Alex Akata, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration and its development partners for the intervention, describing it as an important step towards improving the living conditions and healthcare environment of the community.
Chief Akata appealed to the FCT Administration to consider the renovation and rehabilitation of the Ketti PHC after completion of the WASH facilities, noting that improved infrastructure would further enhance healthcare delivery in the area.
He assured the project team that the people of Ketti would take ownership of the facilities, protect them, and ensure their proper maintenance and sustainability.
Speaking on project monitoring, the representative of UNICEF, Engr. Effiong Efiyad, assured stakeholders that the project would be closely monitored to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to approved standards and specifications.
He explained that the monitoring would cover both the water and sanitation components of the intervention, emphasising the need for facilities that are climate-resilient, sustainable and capable of functioning effectively throughout the year.
According to him, the objective is to ensure that the facilities remain functional beyond the rainy season and continue to serve the community effectively.
The intervention is expected to provide improved WASH infrastructure at the Ketti PHC and contribute to a healthier and safer environment for patients, health workers and the surrounding communities.
It is also expected to support sustainable access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities and improved hygiene services in communities across the Federal Capital Territory.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of relevant FCT agencies, development partners, community leaders, health workers and other stakeholders.
