Bauchi Inaugurates Committee to Implement WASH Directorates in 20 LGAs

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

The Bauchi State government has inaugurated a committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) directorates in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The inauguration, which was held in Bauchi, marks a critical step in the state’s efforts to improve public health, enhance education, and drive economic growth through better access to essential WASH services.

In his keynote address at the event, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdurrazak Nuhu Zaki, who is also the Magajin Garin Ningi, outlined the importance of WASH services for the overall well-being and development of Bauchi State. He emphasized that clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene are fundamental to the health and prosperity of the people, calling the establishment of WASH directorates a “significant milestone” in the state’s development journey.

Zaki noted that the lack of proper water and sanitation infrastructure has contributed to the spread of preventable diseases, high infant mortality rates, and malnutrition in many communities across Bauchi State. He stressed that the new WASH directorates would play a crucial role in addressing these issues by ensuring that water and sanitation services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location.

“The challenges of water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices have long hindered the progress of our communities,” Zaki said. “By implementing these directorates, we are not only addressing a basic human need but also investing in the future of Bauchi State.”

The Commissioner highlighted the positive outcomes that improved WASH services would bring to the state, including reductions in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, improved school attendance as children would no longer have to miss classes due to illness, and enhanced economic growth through better agricultural productivity. He also pointed out that WASH services would help reduce social inequalities by ensuring that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation, regardless of their socio-economic status.

According to Zaki, the WASH directorates would be responsible for advocating WASH policies, coordinating activities among various government and non-governmental organizations, providing technical assistance to communities, and monitoring the progress of WASH initiatives across the state. He acknowledged that there would be challenges, such as limited financial resources and infrastructure constraints, but expressed confidence that these issues could be overcome through collaboration and effective management.

Habib Mohammed Sadiq, Acting General Manager of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Bauchi Ministry of Water Resources, who also spoke at the event, outlined the mandate of the newly inaugurated committee. Sadiq stated that the committee had been given a one-month timeline to ensure that the WASH directorates are fully operational in all 20 LGAs by November 2024. He stressed that the committee’s primary role would be to ensure the smooth deployment of WASH directors and the successful implementation of WASH programs in every LGA.

“The government of Bauchi State is fully committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to clean water and sanitation services,” Sadiq said. “The implementation of these directorates is a clear demonstration of that commitment, and we are confident that by November, all necessary structures will be in place to achieve our goals.”

As Bauchi State moves forward with this initiative, there is hope that the establishment of WASH directorates will lead to significant improvements in public health, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life for its citizens. The Commissioner concluded by urging the committee members to work diligently towards achieving their targets, expressing optimism that their efforts would lead to a healthier and more prosperous future for all residents of Bauchi State.