Forum Tasks Govt On Open Defeacation Agenda

The 4th National Steering Committee meeting of the European Union (EU) Water Supply and Sanitation Programme has called on the three tiers of government in the country to vigorously pursue Nigeria Open Defeacation Free Agenda Programme.
The committee which said this in a communiqué in Port Harcourt also stressed the need for states to make feasible arrangements as a sustainability approach for their WASH facilities in the state.
It also urged benefitting states to adopt best practices in their regular procurements to build trust and gain confidence of donors.
According to the communiqué, Federal Ministry of water Resources, State Ministries of water Resources and LGAs should adopt and enforce the guidelines manuals, strategies and other relevant documents for effective management of WASH facilities in Nigeria.
“FMWER, States, MDAs and LGAs should strengthen the utilization of WASH information management systems for planning and resources allocation for WASH Programmes”.
The meeting also encouraged benefitting states to form a strong coalition to lobby for inclusion and attract support from all available funds to enable increased financing of the sector. “Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with other implementing Ministries should involve states and relevant stakeholders in the formulation, implementation and reviews of future programmes including obtaining their inputs into financing Arrangement (FA) before signature.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku who declared the meeting open said the state government attaches much importance to rural water supply in the state.
Ebeku who represented Governor Wike at the meeting thanked them for hosting the meeting in Port Harcourt.