NGO urges Bauch govt to establish Water regulatory commission
By Ahmed Ahmed
An NGO Women Development Association for Self Sustenance (WODASS) in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria urged the Bauchi State government to Water Regulatory Commission for effective service delivery and to improve the health of Citizens.
Mr. Ezekiel Sukumum, Programme officer, WODASS, made the call at a press briefing on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He said the establishment of the commission would improve service delivery and revenue generation through utility water bills.
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“That will lead to quality water supply, reduce epidemics of water-borne diseases and improve the lives and health of citizens.
He also highlighted the need for state and local governments to improve their response to COVID-19 and infectious diseases.
He lamented that in 2021 2,874 residents in some local government areas in the State have been hospitalized as a result of frequent cholera outbreaks, with 42 deaths recorded.
Sukumum urged the government to widen the scope of the hygiene behavior change campaign and COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
“Including hygiene education that focuses on key behaviors such as respiratory hygiene, handwashing, physical distancing, safe excreta disposal, and water storage
“Ensure routine sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions are provided in communities and LGAS with poor access, especially those with endemic trends.
“Also provide these facilities in schools, healthcare centers, and public places to support inclusive access to Water Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all,” he said.
Sukumum also called on the government to scale-up WaterAid’s Clean Family Campaign to all local government areas across the three senatorial zones and ensure personal and environmental hygiene in response.
“WaterAid recognizes that good hygiene is a key component to achieving this milestone with success being underpinned by the strong foundation of the family unit changing behavior and adopting good hygiene practices.
“The campaign also seeks to influence the adoption of good hygiene behaviors at critical times by family units.
“Which will lead to improved wellbeing and a clean community, which in turn leads to a clean local government, clean state, and ultimately a clean Nigeria,” he said.
Mr. Sukumum further urged the State Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, and traditional and religious leaders to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Programme officer also calls for the review of the budget to adequately reflect prevention strategies for infectious diseases such as cholera, Lassa fever, and COVID-19, as well as ensure allocated funds are released.
Sukumum stressed the need to expand WASH services to low-income settings and urban slums both during the response and beyond with consideration to women, children, and people with disabilities for infection prevention and control.
