As part of efforts to ensure the functionality and sustainability of all water supply facilities nationwide, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has launched the Village Level Operations and Maintenance (VLOM) Strategy, Nigerian Roadmap for Water Quality Management’ and the Guidelines for Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance.
This is even as the 2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM III) report has revealed that over the revelation that 68% of Water sources are contaminated.
The two documents were developed in collaboration with the National Core-group on Water Quality (NACOWQ), UNICEF and other stakeholders.
Launching the strategy and the two documents in Abuja recently, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was represented by the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, revealed that these documents are a testament of FG’s commitment to ensuring the availability of safe and clean drinking water to all Nigerians as they provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable water resource management, which is critical for public health protection.
He therefore urged stakeholders, all States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to join in implementing the VLOM (Village Level Operations and Maintenance) Strategy to ensure the functionality and sustainability of all water supply facilities nationwide.
Prof. Utsev further noted that these initiatives align with the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which encompasses eight outcmanagementome-oriented targets to promote the sustainable of safe water resources.
He revealed that despite the progress made in recent years, the statistics from the 2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM III) report shows that there is still much work to be done,
He expressed optimism that the launch of these two key documents signals a proactive response to these challenges and recognizes the need to expand access to improved water sources while implementing measures to ensure water safety from the source to the point of use.
He also added that these documents will provide a clear direction and action plan for water quality management in line with SDG 6 and also informed that the documents will empower communities to manage drinking water effectively with implementable policies, strategies, and frameworks that are pivotal for addressing the identified challenges.
UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, in her goodwill message, expressed deep concern over the revelation that 68% of Water sources are contaminated. She highlighted the crucial role of water in people’s lives and stressed the urgency for immediate action and collaboration across all government levels.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, represented by Director ll, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr Habu Jamilu noted that the decision by the new administration to expand the Ministry’s responsibilities to include Sanitation underscores its commitment to prioritize both Water Resources and Sanitation.
