WaterAid Nigeria, an international non-profit organisation, has urged governments to prioritise the provision of clean water and sanitation services to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 target.
In her goodwill message to the World Water Day held at Ojodu, Lagos, the Country Director, Water Aid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, called on stakeholders to address the plight of people living without access to safe water.
Represented by Executive Director, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), Mr. Henry Adenigba, Mere commended the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources for providing water sanitation and hygiene services.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Day, “Accelerating Change”, she called for an end to the water, sanitation and hygiene crises, stressing the need for urgent action to address the global water and sanitation crisis.
With seven years left to achieve the SDG 6 of clean water and sanitation for all, the organisation warned that progress was slow, and more needed to be done to accelerate change.
The Country Director emphasised the urgency of the situation, pointing out that only 10 per cent of Nigerians have access to basic WASH services, while 67 per cent use basic drinking water services.
“Governments must lead the way, and international organisations, communities, donors, and businesses must play their part to accelerate progress towards universal access by 2030,” Mere stressed.
“However, we commend the efforts of the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, for their efforts in providing water, sanitation and hygiene services to Lagosians.
“To stay on track with the 2030 target for the SDG 6; rapid progress happens when WASH policies and programmes have the full backing and leadership of governments.
“Support from development partners and the private sector can accelerate progress even further. To this end, WaterAid reiterates its continuous support to the government and people of Lagos State to realise this goal,” Mere said.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Olalekan Sodehinde, emphasised the importance of speeding up efforts towards achieving sustainable water management practices.
He said the state government has partnered players in the private sector to promote sustainable water management.
Represented by Mrs Helen Taiwo, Director, Water Resources, Shodeinde said water is a vital resource for life on earth and its importance could not be overemphasised.
“Unfortunately, despite its critical role in sustaining life, access to safe and clean water remains a significant challenge worldwide.’’
“We are honoured to have with us here representatives of WaterAid Nigeria, Nigerian Bottling Company, School Environmental Health Club (SEHC) members from primary and secondary schools and Ojodu LCDA, in the spirit of collaboration.
“To accelerate change and secure progress in water, sanitation and Hygiene, the Lagos State government in collaboration with the private sector are working together to promote sustainable water management practices.’’
“This includes investment in infrastructure and technologies that improve access to clean water, reducing water waste while promoting water conservation and efficiency.
“In achieving this, the needs of women and girls, the vulnerable and marginalised communities must be taken into account in order to deliver access to clean water and safe sanitation, he stated”
The event was organised by WaterAid in collaboration with the Lagos State Government with the support of Coca Cola Bottling Company, Kimberly–Clark Foundation and HUFFPED.
The event was attended by officials of the Lagos State officials, students, staffers of the schools within the premises, and members of the civil society.
Pupils of the schools made presentations on water and sanitation to educate the audience.