Wateraid to ensure Bauchi has access to clean water, decent toilets,good hygiene. Country Director

Dr Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said Wateraid, state government with the support of global supply chain solutions provider DP World would ensure more people within Bauchi state have access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.

She stated this in a press statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Bauchi

According to her, Bauchi is a focal state for WaterAid over the next five years, and we hope to keep working with the government and our partners to ensure more people within the state have access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.

“In the face of climate change, access to water is becoming increasingly difficult and this has huge implications for health, nutrition, gender equity and economic productivity.

“We deeply appreciate the support of DP World in helping us to reach even more people with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.

“These essential services help change lives, especially for women and girls, who bear a huge burden of searching for water, missing out on more productive activities such as education and business.” she said.

The statement also pointed out that the Group Chief Sustainability Officer, DP World, Maha AlQattan reflects on the expansion.

Said “At DP World, we aim to make a difference in the communities where we operate. In Mozambique, we are working alongside WaterAid to advance community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Now, we are expanding our support to Nigeria, to reach thousands more people with water services, enhancing good hygiene and improving sanitation, ensuring resilient progress in the face of climate challenges.

“Our commitment is to not only construct solar-powered water facilities and public toilets but also empower local women and youngsters to help foster sustainable communities.”AlQattan said

The statement said the International not-for-profit WaterAid and global supply chain solutions provider DP World have teamed up for a second time to launch a new project to ramp up access to sustainable climate-resilient clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Bauchi State,

“The venture aims to tackle the challenges faced as a result of the climate crisis and rapid urbanization, and will reach over 15,000 people.

“Among those to benefit mostly include women and girls who are often burdened with the task of walking for miles to collect water, forcing them to sacrifice their education or opportunity to work and live autonomous lives.

“Bauchi State is the seventh most populous state in Nigeria, with a population of over 6.5 million. However, less than 1 in 5 people (18%) has access to basic water and hygiene services, while 21% still practice open defecation.

“At household levels, 74% of the water consumed in the state is contaminated with e-coli from the source, according to the Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey for 2021,” it said