Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Atiku Galadima
Published on 2024-03-22 15:45:30
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently reported that only 4 per cent of the population in Borno state, Nigeria, have access to safely managed water. This alarming statistic was shared by Phuong T. Nguyen, the Chief of Field Office of UNICEF in Maiduguri, during the commemoration of World Water Day 2024, with the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace”. Nguyen emphasized the crucial role of clean water in human survival, highlighting the challenges faced by many communities in accessing this basic necessity.
UNICEF has been working in partnership with the government in northeast Nigeria to improve access to safe water, resulting in significant progress. In 2023, 900,000 people were able to gain access to safe water supply services in the region, and 46 schools and 11 primary healthcare centers received support in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. Despite these achievements, Nguyen stressed the urgent need for increased investments to accelerate progress in providing climate-friendly water and sanitation services in Borno state and across northeast Nigeria.
Nguyen reiterated that access to drinking water is a fundamental human right, and any threat to this right could lead to conflicts. She emphasized the importance of protecting water resources to ensure peaceful coexistence in communities and the state at large. UNICEF, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, has implemented innovative solutions such as the Small Town Water Scheme, which aims to provide sustainable water access to communities affected by conflict through the use of boreholes and solar-powered water systems. This initiative has led to the achievement of two open defecation-free Local Government Areas in Biu and Shani, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts.
Nguyen expressed appreciation for the support from donors, including the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Cooperation Office (FCDO), Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and German Development Bank (BMZ), in enabling UNICEF to carry out its crucial work in assisting children and families affected by conflict. She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to address water insecurity and improve the well-being of children in Borno state.
In addition to providing safe water access, UNICEF has also supported the fecal disposal of latrines in 110 IDP camps in 2023 to protect vulnerable children from water source contamination and disease outbreaks. These efforts underscore UNICEF’s holistic approach in addressing water-related challenges and promoting the health and well-being of communities in Borno state.
Through collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions, UNICEF is making significant strides in improving access to clean water and sanitation services in Borno state, ultimately contributing to peace and stability in the region. The organization remains committed to its mission of ensuring that every child has the right to clean water and a healthy environment for their well-being and development.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
