THE Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Zamfara State Government, Tuesday, expressed readiness to collaborate in the implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, WASH, programmes in the State.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan.

According to the statement, the commitment was reaffirmed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, along with the Secretary to Zamfara State, Abubarkar Nakwada, and several members of his entourage at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Also present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Shehu Shinkafi, and some Directors of the Ministry.

Utsev highlighted various Federal Government’s WASH intervention programs such as PEWASH, SURWASH, and others, and urged the Zamfara State Government to actively participate in the Programmes for the collective benefit of Zamfara citizens.

He also mentioned that the full components of the Bakolori Dam will be sustained in the State for the benefit of the people while also announcing that a team of WASH experts will visit the state to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water situation, to ensure universal access to improved hygiene and clean water.

Meanwhile, the Minister emphasized the Federal Government’s willingness to support States with specific water needs, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while he recognized the value chain of water and sanitation in job creation, hygienic services , and investment opportunities

The Minister therefore urged the Governor to facilitate the timely release of counterpart contributions to enable the Federal Government to fulfill its obligations for the benefit of the people of Zamfara.

He (Utsev ) also appealed to the Governor to collaborate with the private sector in constructing more toilets, particularly in public places like schools, markets, parks, and worship centers, to support the ongoing campaign against open defecation in the country, and stressed that it is of importance to carry along and engage community, religious, traditional, and opinion leaders to discourage open defecation through thorough sensitization and action for the sake of public health and attainment of the SDG target date of 2025 for Open Defecation Free Nigeria status.

Meanwhile,Governor Dauda Lawal, commended and congratulated the Minister on his appointment, therefore appealed for Federal Government’s intervention in addressing water challenges in Zamfara State.

Lawal pledged his administration’s commitment to provide counterpart contributions for various ongoing Federal Government projects in the State and gave an assurance of their successful execution for the benefit of the people.

He also highlighted the importance of utilizing all the components of the Bakolori Dam project to enhance all year-round irrigated farming in the State.

Meanwhile, the Governor assured the Minister of a cooperative and productive working relationship aimed at improving the lives of Zamfara residents.