UNICEF Tasks Ebonyi On Water Sector Funding

The United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has called on the Ebonyi Government to increase its budgetary allocation to the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RWASSA) in the state.

UNICEF Assistant Representative, ‘A Field Office’ Enugu, Mr Charles Nzuki, made the call, last Thursday in Abakiliki during the signing of the agency’s Programme Implementation Agreement with state government.

Nzuki said the appeal became imperative as the focus on rural water supply and sanitation required stronger engagement through community-led provision of safe drinking water for the people.

According to him, UNICEF believes strongly in forging collaborations with governments and affording opportunities for children to live and realise their full potential.

He reiterated UNICEF’s full support in all areas of collaboration with the state, especially in the areas of providing technical support to ministries, departments, agencies and civil society organisations.

“We have made notable achievements on our joint partnerships in the survival, basic education and protection of children in the state. “These achievements were made profound with the successful implementation of two rounds of Maternal Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHW). “And adopting frontline measures that demonstrated ownership and commitment to the 2009 Neonatal Child Health resolution,” he said.

Responding, Gov. Martin Elechi noted that RWASSA’s role was being performed by other relevant agencies of the government saddled with the responsibilities of providing good drinking water to the people.

“The change is on the basis of nomenclature and administrative reforms as the goals are still the same,” he said.