WaterAid Nigeria, in collaboration with Cummins West Africa Limited, has introduced a ₦1 billion grant dedicated to bolstering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in Lagos and FCT, addressing the prolonged water scarcity plaguing Lagos State.
At the launch of the three-year project in Abuja, WaterAid Country Director, Ms. Evelyn Mere, highlighted the mission to tackle water scarcity and inadequate sanitation facilities in communities. Mere emphasised the grant’s aim to improve water quality and instil sustainable hygiene practices.
“The ₦1 billion grant will focus on vital projects, including water scheme rehabilitation/construction, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education targeting communities in Lagos and the FCT,” said Mere.
In partnership with local institutions, community leaders, and government bodies, WaterAid plans to impact over 186,000 individuals, providing clean water access to 11,500 people, decent toilets to 6,547, and extending hygiene services to 168,000 individuals.
Cummins West Africa Limited’s Managing Director, Mark Oni-Okeke, stressed the significance of WASH, particularly for mothers and children, underscoring the commitment to healthier living conditions and support for Nigeria’s WASH sector revitalisation.
Dr. Mohammed Dan-Hassan, Executive Director of FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, highlighted the project’s potential impact and emphasised the importance of partnerships in combating open defecation and improving hygiene.
The intervention targets Ikorodu North and Ojodu in Lagos and Bwari and Gwagwalada in Abuja, aiming to alleviate water scarcity and improve hygiene practices. Representatives from benefiting area councils expressed commitment to sustaining the proposed projects for long-term benefits.
