Universal Access To Water Sanitation: Wike Pledges To Meet SDG 2030 Target

By: Sunday Shekwonya

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reiterated his commitment to meeting up with the Universal Access to Water Sanitation (UAWS) deadline set by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targeted at 2030.

Wike, who disclosed this while addressing the stakeholders during the commissioning of Solar Powered Borehole at Barangoni Community in Bwari Area Council, Abuja; said the project is aimed at reducing poverty, which is in consonance with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the President.

The Minister, who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Chidi Amadi, emphasized that the Administration remained committed to reducing multi-dimensional poverty levels and achieve set targets in water sanitation and hygiene.

According to him: “Already we have developed an SDG action plan for the FCT and have aligned with the 17 SDG vision in line with our Ministerial deliverables applicable Presidential Directives and Executive Orders. As such, we are committed to meeting the Universal Access to Water Sanitation by the SDG Target of 2030.”

Wike, who reiterated that the project is landmark in the Barangoni community in view of perennial water scarcity experienced over time, maintained that FCT Administration is supporting and encouraging partnerships in the provision of safe drinking water in the FCT.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, expressed gratitude over the water project executed in one of the communities of the Council by the FCT Administration; which he described as ‘fortune’ for Barangoni community.

Gabaya, who enjoined Barangoni residents to maintain the water facility that has been put in place for the community, also used the opportunity to reveal to the stakeholders, as well as the residents that the Council under his leadership has captured the Barangoni road construction as one of the projects that must be completed soon.

Also speaking, the Overseeing Director, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Luke Ifop Ulom, affirmed that the commissioning of the project was a significant milestone for the community, which is an essential step towards enhancing access to clean and safe water.

Ulom revealed that the Solar Powered Borehole is one of the projects approved by the FCT Administration through the Statutory Appropriation Act of 2022, and said the Directorate has put into action necessary mechanism for procurement process and construction of the water scheme project.

The Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Musa Ijakoro, represented by Village head of Barangoni, Danlami Nana, appreciated the FCT Administration for the project successfully delivered to the community for use; and used the opportunity to call on the administration to come to their aid to build more classrooms in both Primary and Junior Secondary schools situated in the community.

Esu of Bwari HRH. Ibrahim Yero, who was also represented by Chief Timothy Dakwoyi, expressed joy to the FCT Administration over the project and posited that, he who brings water, brings life; thus, he urged the residents of Barangoni to protect, guard and maintain the project against vandals.