FCTA To Improve Access to Water Supply In Rural Communities

By: Salamatu Aminu & Sunday Shekwonya

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), will continue to improve access to adequate water supply and hygiene.

This action is in consonance with the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu led Federal Government.

The Director of Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (FCT- RUWASSA), Dr. Mohammed Hassan gave this assurance, while addressing the stakeholders during the launching of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) by the Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (FCT-RUWASSA) in Abuja.

The launch was in conjunction with WaterAid Nigeria/CUMMINS Foundation Inc.

The Director said that access to clean water supply and hygiene, is a means of providing life to people.

Hassan explained that, an effort that is geared towards ensuring water supply in a community is an effort of sustainance to lives of hundreds and thousands of people who reside in such community and beyond.

He commended the sponsor of the project, Cummins and WaterAid Nigeria, for their zealous effort in ensuring improving access to Water Supply, Hygiene and Sanitation in Abuja.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, Cummins and WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Mark Oni Okeke, disclosed that the launching of the Projects is aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation and hygiene in the localities.

Okeke revealed that the Project at the moment is targeted basically at two states in Nigeria, which are Lagos and Abuja.

“ And here in Abuja, it is going to take place in some selected communities in two Area Councils which include; Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils.

Okeke said that, Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services has an enormous impact on children’s education, health and dignity, particularly girls and those with disabilities.

According to him: “a lack of basic WASH services contributes to absenteeism in school and disproportionately affects children from poor backgrounds which could results to ill-health and malnutrition, thereby limiting the ability of children to maximize their potential and become productive members of society.”

The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Abu Giri, who was represented by the Director, Environmental Services of the Council, Mrs. Eunice Asubiojo, reiterated that, the Council will cooperate and support the Projects and ensure their sustainability within the area.

Giri commended the Cummins and WaterAid Nigeria, for their fervent effort in ensuring access to Water Supply Hygiene and Sanitation in the Council and beyond.