The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Adamawa State Government have officially launched the third phase of the Acceleration Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing access to clean water and sanitation for 150,000 vulnerable residents.
Backed by the Government of the Netherlands, the program builds on the successes of its previous phases, ensuring that more communities benefit from improved water supply and hygiene services.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, Audu Ayuba, Adamawa’s Commissioner for Water Resources, described the project’s expansion as a pivotal step toward healthier communities. He emphasized its alignment with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s development agenda, lauding international partners for prioritizing Adamawa in their interventions.
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The first two phases of ASWA led to significant milestones, including the declaration of Guyuk and Shelleng local government areas as open defecation-free zones. The newly launched ASWA III will extend these efforts to Shelleng and Ganye, with a strong focus on sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Aisha Yusuf, Head of Sanitation, Hygiene, and RUWASSA at the Ministry of Water Resources, highlighted key achievements from the previous phases:
Sanitation interventions in 133 communities
Completion of 84 water projects
Improved hygiene practices in schools and healthcare facilities
Training of 729 adolescent girls in menstrual hygiene management
The third phase introduces a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure long-term sustainability, leveraging private sector investments to enhance service delivery.
Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, praised Adamawa State’s dedication to the project’s goals and emphasized the need for sustained efforts beyond the four-year funding period. She reiterated that access to clean water and proper sanitation is fundamental to health, dignity, and socio-economic development.
The ASWA III project represents a critical step toward achieving universal water and sanitation access in Adamawa, reinforcing the state’s commitment to public health and sustainable development.
