WaterAid has partnered Cummins W.A to impact about 186,000 people with life-transforming water, sanitation and hygiene projects to be sited within communities in Lagos and Abuja.

The project will provide water and sanitation facilities to improve hygiene behaviour in the intervention areas.

The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, said at the inauguration of the project in Lagos that WaterAid would continue to collaborate with partners to improve lives.

She said, “One in 10 people still don’t have even a basic supply of clean water close to home. A lack of access to this life-saving service means women are left to bear the brunt of walking miles and spending valuable hours in collecting water.

“Everyone can lead a more fulfilled, dignified and healthy life with the opportunities that safe water, sanitation and hygiene brings. WaterAid Nigeria will continue to collaborate to transform lives, deliver on desired health outcomes, address the global water crisis and improve sanitation in Abuja and Lagos states.”

Ms Mere was represented at the event by the Head of Advocacy Policy and Communication for WaterAid Nigeria,  Mr Kolawole Banwo,

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Cummins West Africa Ltd., Mark Oni-Okeke, in a goodwill message said access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene was fundamental rights of every human being.

Mr Oni-Okeke said, “Access to water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental rights of every human being, most especially mothers and children who need access to clean water, proper sanitation practices and a healthy environment to ensure the families lead better lives.

“With these available, we would be one step closer to creating a society that fosters healthy living as a priority for every individual without discrimination. As an organisation, we are investing in the improvement of lives of persons in the communities where we have a presence.

“We believe that our partnership with WaterAid Nigeria to implement the WASH project in Nigeria, starting with Lagos and Abuja, will create tremendous impact in the lives of the beneficiaries and their respective communities.

“With our employees serving as volunteers in the project, alongside the WaterAid team, we would be reemphasising and living out our culture of care.”

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Nurudeen Shodeinde, thanked WaterAid and Cummins for the project.

Represented by Mr Babatunde Akinwumi, Mr Shodeinde noted that the project would impact positively on the schools and correctional centres within the state, where it would be sited.

He noted that the Lagos State Government had been partnering with WaterAid to improve sanitation and hygiene in the state, adding that with Cummins coming on board, the ministry would be looking forward to a shared success.

The project would build the capacity of women to be a part of the decision-making process.

It would also capitalise on successful partnerships to influence and strengthen the WASH sector in Abuja and Lagos for the expansion of access to water, sanitation and hygiene. 

(NAN)