The Enugu State Government has launched the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) project while aiming at providing improved access to basic sanitation facilities within the state.
The Special Adviser to the Enugu State Government on Water, Mr Dubem Onyia, while launching the domestication of the project on Friday, explained the rationale behind the project.
He said; “The state is domesticating the ASPG project in order to develop and implement workable sanitation policies that can help improve the lives of millions of people across the state.
“The project is not just about providing access to clean water and sanitation, but about empowering communities to take ownership of their own sanitation needs.”
According to him, “the guidelines will provide governments with a road-map on how to improve sanitation infrastructure, develop policies, and increase funding for sanitation projects.”
Mr Onyia said: “Sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people in Africa lack access to basic sanitation facilities.
“This has a significant impact on their health and wellbeing, and it hinders their ability to lead productive lives.
“According to a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 50 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to basic sanitation facilities, which has led to increased cases of preventable diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.”
Access to clean water
He appreciated WaterAid for working tirelessly to improve access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries and in Enugu state, adding that “The ASPG project is another step in the right direction.”
Speaking, Mr Adebayo Alao, Team Leader, Institutional Technical Assistance 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project – Water Corporation, Enugu state, said there was a need to bring actual decision-makers/heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on board to make faster progress on the project.
Alao noted that what the ASPG project was set out to achieve was to harmonise various efforts in sanitation policies, programmes and frame-work as well as make them effective to the people.
He said; “The decision of Enugu state to domesticate this project is laudable and shows the seriousness and desire for the
government to be open and get it right for the greater benefit of the people of the state.”
Collaborating, Mr the State Programme Lead, WaterAid, Solomon Akpanufot said that Enugu state was lucky to be one of the few states WaterAid would help launch the ASPG project in.
Akpanufot said that “WaterAid was looking forward to having all the MDAs and stakeholders in sanitation, hygiene, water and health to key-into the project.”
He noted that it was necessary to push the holistic sanitation narrative to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on sanitation.
“We want to look at various policies of the various stakeholders and MDAs on sanitation and find out if there are still some gaps as well as see how government, WaterAid and other partners can address the gaps within the shortest time possible,” Akpanufot explained.
The South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) Programme Lead for ASPG Project, Mr Udochukwu Egwim said that there was a need for the stakeholders and MDAs to work in unison and step-up speed through periodic meetings and setting specific timelines for the ASPG project in the state.
Egwim said: “We have a lot to do to get the ASPG guidelines working, which will start with advocacies, follow-ups and accountability meetings with chief executives at various levels of governance or leadership.
“Once we can have adequate and potable drinking water flowing in the state as well as proper waste management and evacuation courtesy of the government, the sanitation is being solved.”
“While the remaining will be how the residents’ attitude/culture of personal and environmental cleanliness as well as waste handling can be improved and in line with best hygienic practices,” he said.
VON