Across the three Senatorial Zones of Kaduna state, residents are expressing strong appreciation for the Kaduna state government's initiative in constructing modern toilet facilities and solar-powered boreholes.
The projects, spearheaded by the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program, are being implemented in institutions and health clinics across six pilot local government areas: Jama'a, Jaba, Chikun, Igabi, Sabon Gari, and Soba.
Officials estimate that over 30,000 individuals will directly benefit from these facilities.
Beneficiaries who spoke with our reporter shared stories of significant positive change brought about by the new infrastructure. In particular, Head Teachers of primary schools and officers-in-charge of health clinics in the benefiting communities voiced their delight at having these essential facilities within their premises.
Victoria Ayuba, Head Teacher of Nasarawa Primary School in Chikun Local Government Area, Malam Suleiman Zakariya of LEA Primary School Wanka in Soba, and Salome Micheal, Head Teacher of LEA Primary School Kwoi in Jaba, all highlighted the positive impact of the modern toilets on pupils' hygiene habits.
They noted a significant reduction in open defecation and an improvement in the overall health of the students due to increased handwashing after using the facilities.
The Head Teachers collectively commended Governor Uba Sani's administration for the projects, emphasizing the positive influence on the school environment and pupils' performance.
The installation of solar-powered boreholes has also been met with widespread approval. Village Heads Alhaji Lawan Abdullahi of Yelwa (Soba LGA), Abel Achi of Nasarawa Kaduna, and the Village Head of Kwakwaren Manu (Sabon Gari LGA) jointly lauded Governor Sani's administration for addressing the long-standing issue of water scarcity in their communities.
They explained that despite being located within school and clinic grounds, the boreholes are also serving the wider community, significantly easing the burden of accessing clean water.
The community leaders further highlighted the impact of the modern toilets on women visiting health clinics. They noted that previously, women had to seek private residences for sanitation needs, but the newly constructed facilities have provided a dignified and convenient alternative.
The Kaduna SURWASH Program Coordinator, Engineer Esau Ambinjah stated that the projects aim to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices and ensure easy access to safe water across the state.
He explained that the SURWASH program, supported by a $700 million grant from the World Bank, selected Kaduna as one of the seven participating states after a rigorous assessment of expressions of interest.
Engineer Esau affirmed the program's ongoing commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services for the citizens of Kaduna State.
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