The Minister, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu has inaugurated the Federal Steering Committee for the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme in Abuja.
Engr. Adamu stated that the SURWASH programme has been designed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in partnership with the World Bank to support the implementation of the National Action Plan launched by President Buhari in November 2018.
He explained that the inaugural ceremony was the final step to establishing the Federal Steering Committee, a key element for the efficient functioning of the results-based structure of the SURWASH programme.
Engr Adamu disclosed that through SURWASH, the Federal Government would make infrastructure investments and drive the five areas of the National Action Plan of governance, sustainability, sanitation, funding, financing, monitoring and evaluation.
He further disclosed that SURWASH is an ambitious $700 million programme aimed at providing protection for human health, supporting economic growth in the short-term, mid and long-term for sustainable, inclusive economic recovery that would improve the livelihood of the poor and the vulnerable.
The Minister explained that the programme which will run for six years became effective from 14th January 2022 and it is expected to ensure reforms in governance and service provision through increased access to drinking water and sanitation services through the construction and rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that the assets and services for water supply, sanitation and hygiene will be sustainably managed and accessible to all Nigerians by 2030, and not just to meet the SDG targets 6.1 & 6.2 for water and sanitation, but for all and future generations.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Water Supply Engr Danjuma Madaki thanked all stakeholders at the Inaugural Meeting and also invited them to the unveiling of the SURWASH Logo which was the high point of the inauguration.
