USAID donates $3.5m water, sanitation projects to Kano, Jigawa villages

The governments of Jigawa and Kano States have both been handed a set of water and sanitation projects worth $3.5 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

This was according to a statement by Mr. Simeon Nyiakaa, Chief of Party for the Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) project.

Nyiakaa said the reason behind the three-year project was to tackle waterborne diseases as well as improve general cleanliness of the environment.

“The three-year project commenced on August 1, 2021, with the aim of reducing the occurrence and effects of waterborne diseases among targeted populations, especially children, women, and the elderly in underserved and rural communities of the two states,” said Nyiakaa

He explained that the projects targets include: 66,000 residents to have access to basic water, 123,000 persons to basic sanitation, 55 improved water supply systems, 50 improved sanitation facilities in public institutions, as well as schools and primary healthcare centers in both Jigawa and Kano states.

Nyiakaa stated how several facilities have been installed, and how it is being ensured that the ownership and sustainability of installed facilities remain strong.

Additionally, he affirmed that the facilities are currently providing potable water to over 42,000 rural community residents at 20 liters per person per day, surpassing the initial target of 33,000 beneficiaries, ensuring more people have access to safe and sustainable drinking water in the state.

Also, he said that 18 improved and gender-responsive sanitation facilities in 14 public schools and four healthcare facilities have been installed.

He also mentioned that over 6,000 households, approximately 60,000 individuals, now own their safely managed latrines.

“The initiatives have significantly reduced open defecation, with 28 of the 32 project communities certified as Open Defecation Free by the Jigawa State and National Sanitation Task Groups,” he said.