The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has successfully launched Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects across several local government areas (LGAs) to improve access to clean water, proper sanitation, and public health.
This initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods by providing essential amenities such as boreholes and toilet facilities in various communities, addressing critical issues related to water scarcity and poor hygiene.
Key Locations Benefiting from the WASH Projects
The newly installed boreholes and sanitation facilities are located in:
- Ugbokpo Main Market (Apa LGA)
- Ogbodo-Iyeche (Oju LGA)
- Ihugh (Vandeikya LGA)
- Mbagwa Community (Ushongo LGA)
- Adi-Etulo (Buruku LGA)
- Ugbor (Gwer East LGA)
These efforts contribute to Benue State’s mission of achieving an open defecation-free (ODF) status, improving public health, hygiene awareness, and environmental sustainability.
Read also: Benue State, UNICEF Donate Health Essentials to 13,600 IDPs
Benue Government’s Commitment to Clean Water and Hygiene
During an inspection tour, Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Mr. Ugwu Odoh, alongside a delegation from the Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), evaluated the progress of the projects to ensure quality implementation.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, stating that ₦700 million has been allocated as a counterpart fund for the projects. He emphasized that the government’s ultimate goal is to ensure that all LGAs attain open defecation-free certification, with 11 LGAs already achieving this milestone.
Odoh urged residents and community leaders to take ownership of the projects, safeguard the boreholes and sanitation facilities from vandalism, and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Additionally, BERWASSA General Manager, Mr. Tony Mkpen, praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritizing rural infrastructure development and acknowledged UNICEF’s vital role in supporting underserved communities.
Residents of the benefiting areas expressed relief and gratitude for the intervention:
Apa LGA Chairman, Mr. Adam Ogwola, commended the state government and UNICEF for addressing rural water challenges.
Ogbodo-Iyeche community leader, Mr. Ukpe Omoga, recalled the previous hardships caused by water scarcity and celebrated the positive impact of the new boreholes.
This Benue-UNICEF WASH initiative is a significant step toward improving sanitation, hygiene, and access to safe drinking water for rural dwellers. By prioritizing clean water projects, Benue State is making strides toward a healthier and more sustainable environment.
