Civil society organization urges Taraba state government to increase budgetary allocation to improve water sanitation

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has on Thursday called on the State government to increase budgetary allocation to prioritize and improve water sanitation and hygiene in Taraba State.

Taraba NEWSAN Coordinator, Mr Boniface Koson disclosed this during a one-day Multi-Stakeholder Consultative meeting in Jalingo, which followed up on NEWSAN's "WASH Charter for Demands" that was signed by some political candidates during the 2023 general elections. 

The workshop aimed to leverage the charter to encourage newly elected government leaders to prioritize climate-resilient and water sanitation services.

Boniface pointed out that climate change is exacerbating the vulnerability of health systems, stressing sanitation infrastructure, and leading to the contamination of water sources and the environment, thereby increasing the risk of disease.

The urgency according to him is underscored by the fact that 48 million Nigerians still engaged in open defecation, and only 8 percent of the population adheres to clean handwashing practices. To combat these challenges and to achieve Nigeria's goal is to become open-defecation-free by 2024.

He emphasized the need for improved public perception, increased political prioritization, adequate funding, and strong policies and institutions.

In the same vein, Engr. Musa Buba Siam, TAWASCO Managing Director, represented by the Director in the agency, Engr. Elijah Kunga reaffirmed government's commitment to ensuring universal access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education, emphasizing the principle of leaving no one behind.

Mr Julius Penda, coordinator for the Community Education and Development Initiative Centre, stressed the importance of developing water and sanitation services that are sustainable, safe, and resilient to climate-related risk. These build community resilience and help the country adapt to the effects of climate change, he said.

Also, a facilitator Mr Yoila Raymond, pointed out that poor budget allocation would not in any way improve clean water sustainability in the State. Encouraged key players to give water sanitation and hygiene as well as climate change the needed attention to improve clean water accessibility for all.