Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has said the federal government is ready to collaborate with the Plateau State Government in enhancing food production, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes by leveraging dams, water supply, irrigation, and river basin resources.
The Minister said this during a courtesy visit by Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to the Ministry Thursday in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev appreciates the Governor for the visit and highlighted key projects of the Ministry, which includes; the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Campaign, along with interventions like the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation And Hygiene (SURWASH) and Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programmes, as potential areas of collaboration.
He stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of these Programmes at the sub-national and grassroots levels.
Furthermore, he highlighted how these initiatives directly align with the pillars of Mr. President’s Agenda, in fostering food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, inclusivity, and anti-corruption efforts.
The minister urged the Governor to align with the ministry’s programs, especially the federal government’s commitment to realizing its campaign to end open defecation by 2025.
As a strategy towards meeting this target, he highlighted the construction of toilets at various schools, markets, and motor parks, as well as engaging in public enlightenment campaigns, as invaluable initiatives.
Also, the Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, emphasized the need to address issues like insecurity and vandalization of government facilities and maintained that prompt issuance of Title Deeds will add value to irrigable lands, prevent encroachment in the State and ensure food security nationwide.
In response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang acknowledged the issues raised would indeed enhance the existing programmes in his state pledging to further engage with the ministry.
Mutfwang highlighted the state’s improved ability to track vandalized government equipment, prosecute offenders, and deploy technology for surveillance.
He expressed readiness for a scheduled visit to Mangu Dam and maintained that the State is willing to participate in the SPIN project.
