Bauchi requires N33bn to provide potable water, sanitation in rural areas

Bauchi State Government says it requires N33 billion to provide water and sanitation to about three million rural people.

Mr Garba Magaji, General Manager, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWUNSSA), announced this on Thursday in Bauchi while addressing the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Magaji emphasised that N3 billion was required annually to enable the agency achieve total coverage of water and sanitation in 10 years for the same population.

He said that ” this will enable us to meet the 60 per cent access water and sanitation requirement of our rural population and 50 per cent optimal functionality of our facilities.

“Quick analysis puts our requirements for total coverage for water supply at over 6,000 new hand pump boreholes and 500 motorised scheme.

“Again, over 3,500 existing hand pump boreholes and 100 motorised schemes need to be rehabilitated,” Garba said.

He said that the agency had, between 2010 and 2013, constructed 1,645 hand pump boreholes and 34 solar powered schemes under its Sanitation, Hygiene and Water for Nigeria (SHAWN) in five local government areas.

“The agency also constructed 52 VIP latrines and established 2,752 WASHCOMS while 2,328 communities were certified as Open Defecation Free.

“Sanitation vehicles were provided to the five local governments while three others have been selected to enjoy same under the second phase that started in 2014.”

He called on benefitting communities to protect such projects in their areas and promised those yet to have such projects to be patient.