Minister of water resources and sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, has decried the lack of commitment by households and communities to Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in the country.
The Minister, Represented by the minister of state for water resources, Alhaji Muhammad Goronyo, on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop to promote the sustainability of the sector.
Utsev said even when WASH facilities like boreholes and toilets are provided, they are often mismanaged and abandoned by benefitting communities.
He said, “As we embark on this journey, let us keep in mind that sustainability is not just about infrastructure; it’s about behavioral change, capacity building and community engagement.”
Utsev called on local communities to take ownership of WASH facilities in their areas to ensure that they are properly sustained and maintained.
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He urged stakeholders to educate children and adults alike on the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices.
“As a responsible ministry, we shall continue to allocate resources, enact policies and create an enabling environment for WASH sustainability.
I equally enjoin civil society organizations to mobilize communities, raise awareness and most importantly hold stakeholders accountable on issues around WASH sustainability.