WWD: FG Implements 6,000+ Water Schemes, Serving 32 Million Citizens Nationwide

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Federal Government has said it has rolled out over 6,000 water schemes nationwide, catering to the needs of approximately 32 million people.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this disclosure during the 2024 World Water Day event in Abuja yesterday.

Additionally, 10,568 sanitation facilities have been built across 127 Local Government Areas, benefitting 550,820 individuals adding that access to basic drinking water services has risen to 67%, while basic sanitation services now reach 46% of the population.

He said, “The Ministry had constructed 6,761 water schemes in the urban, semi-urban and rural areas of the country for the water supply needs of about 32 million people.
Under the sanitation sub-sector, 10,568 sanitation facilities were constructed in institutions and public places in 127 Local Government Areas to serve 550,820 persons.

“I am pleased to inform you that since assumption of office, we have secured an additional 15 ODF LGAs in five States of the Federation, and as of today, 120 LGAs across the country are Open Defecation Free (ODF) with Jigawa State, having earlier attained the Statewide ODF in Nigeria.”

“ The Ministry has also made strides in the Clean Nigeria Campaign, securing 15 more Open Defecation Free (ODF) Local Government Areas since 2019. Currently, 120 LGAs nationwide are ODF, with Jigawa State achieving statewide ODF status.

“ The Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) Program has completed its first phase, constructing 2,190 boreholes serving over 2 million people. The second phase is now underway.”

“So far, 2,190 water supply schemes (boreholes) were constructed to serve 2,006,250 persons with 3,001,578 litres per day.” He said.