By John Oba Abuja
Th e federal government through the Ministry of Water Resources is set for Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) initiative as part of eff ort to address the pathetic state of water and sanitation in the country.
A statement, yesterday signed by the Director, Water Supply and PPP, Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, said Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, lamented the situation of the country’s water supply and sanitation sub-sector, saying it has reached a pathetic stage. According to Ajisegiri, the minister, said more than 50 million Nigerians do not have access to improved sources of drinking water, while over 100 million lack access to improved sanitation facilities either at home or in public places.
He said the government in view of the above, has invited all the Chief Executive Offi cers (CEOs) of the organised private sector to a one-day interactive meeting in Ikeja, Lagos, where the PEWASH Initiative will be unveiled to the private sector. He said PEWASH whichwas recently launched as part of eff orts to address the situation will enable all stakeholders converge to improve access to water supply and sanitation. “Th e PEWASH is a National Collaboration Platform for the improvement of access to water supply and Sanitation nationwide through structured multiagency partnerships. He added that in the partnership, there are roles for the Public sector, private sector and other development partners both local and international,” the statement reads.
