The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has announced a substantial 20 billion naira investment plan for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme. The Governor revealed that the state has already invested 5 billion naira in this critical initiative.
Governor Radda made this known while speaking at a roundtable meeting with state governors organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.
“We have already come up with our plan for execution this year, which runs about 20 billion naira, and the state government has since invested about 5 billion,” Governor Radda stated. “I’ve already given approval for the Ministry of Water Resources to start activity on this year’s procurement to support the World Bank’s initiatives.”
The Governor expressed concern over the low performance of participating states in the SURWASH programme, attributing it to a lack of engagement and clear understanding of the project. He emphasized the importance of such roundtable meetings in bringing all states on board to comprehend the project’s requirements fully.
Governor Radda highlighted the state’s focus on rural water and small town water supply, as well as urban areas, providing hygiene facilities in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. He proudly noted that Katsina has already established and reconstructed 102 functional Primary Health Centers (PHCs) that operate 24 hours a day, all equipped with potable water, sanitation facilities, and housing for doctors.
The SURWASH programme, a 6-year initiative supported by a $700 million World Bank loan, aims to strengthen accountability and transparency at the state level in delivering WASH services. It covers urban, small towns, and rural areas across Nigeria, with objectives to increase access to WASH services and strengthen the sector in participating states.
Governor Radda’s proactive approach and substantial financial commitment demonstrate Katsina State’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens through enhanced WASH services. This investment is expected to significantly boost the state’s performance in the SURWASH programme and serve as a model for other participating states.
The event had in attendance the Nigerian Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. (Engr) Joseph T. Usetv; Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye,representatives of governors of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna while Plateau state was represented by the Secretary to the State Government.
