The Niger State Government has confirmed interventions by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) are significantly improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in parts of the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Akilu Kuta, said this in Minna, the state capital, while assessing the impact of the agency’s projects on benefiting communities.

Kuta explained that the ministry was responsible for policy formulation, implementation and supervision of agencies under it, particularly in the delivery of water supply and sanitation services.

He, however, noted that the sector continued to face challenges, especially theft and vandalism of facilities.

“UN-Habitat has intervened in several areas in the provision of water, as well as in the promotion of sanitation and hygiene.

“The intervention has impacted positively in towns and villages such as Gwada, Beji, Tungan Malam, Kateri and Mariga,” he said.

Kuta commended the organisation for its sustained support to the state.

Earlier, the Head of Sanitation, Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation, Hajiya Sadiya Suleiman, described Kpakungu community as densely populated with inadequate sanitation facilities.

She said the community had previously recorded frequent disease outbreaks due to poor hygiene and limited access to potable water.

According to Suleiman, the provision of solar-powered boreholes and modern toilet facilities has improved water supply and reduced open defecation.

Before now, there was prevalence of diseases, including cholera, but with these facilities, hygiene practices have improved and disease outbreaks have reduced,” she said.Some residents of Kpakungu also attested to the positive impact of the intervention.

Mrs. Mutiat Hussaini said infections were common in the past due to lack of access to water, but the situation had improved with the new facilities.

Similarly, Mrs. Ramat Hamza said residents now had access to clean water and functional toilet facilities.

The Ward Head of Kpakungu, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, said the intervention had curbed open defecation and improved overall hygiene in the area.

Another resident, Danasabe Mohammed, said the project had reduced the presence of mosquitoes and flies, while improving environmental sanitation.

He appealed for more interventions to sustain the gains recorded.

In his remarks, Ahmadu Yakubu said the community previously relied on wells and water vendors at high cost, adding that indiscriminate defecation was widespread.

Yakubu said the intervention had brought significant behavioural change, improved hygiene and reduced minor illnesses.

He added that the community actively participated in the construction of the facilities and commended UN-Habitat for the initiative.

Source: Environews