Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), a media networking group in Bauchi, says investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene will generate substantial economic returns and development.

The group’s chairman, David Ayodele, said this on Thursday in Bauchi.

He said investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene was necessary for public health, education and societal benefits and would also develop the country. 

Mr Ayodele noted that lack of access to adequate sanitation, clean drinking water, and poor hygiene increased the rapid spread of diseases.

“It also contributes to malnutrition, increases the number of disadvantaged women, undermines economic growth, and threatens development, peace and security.

“It creates barriers for women and girls’ education, limited care for young children, literacy, leisure and reduced opportunities to participate in the development of communities,” he said.

Mr Ayodele further stressed that Investments in sanitation and drinking water would increase economic productivity.

“Inadequate sanitation imposes a high economic cost through impacts on health and tourism, as well as on treatment costs,” he noted.

He explained that people without access to water and sanitation were caught up in a vicious cycle that led to poverty, which prevented people from accessing services.

The chairman, however, appealed to governments to improve access to safe water supply by reducing its distance from people.

Mr Ayodele further advocated for governments to explore an approach encompassing budget programming for the entire sector. 

“This approach ideally includes key aspects such as political commitment, leadership and governance reforms, to enhance the water as an investment opportunity,” he said.

(NAN)