The Lagos State government has been challenged to ensure constant maintenance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, services provided in public schools for sustainability.
The water facilities projects donated by global NGOs WaterAid Nigeria and Cummins, aims to strengthen WASH service delivery for effectiveness in Lagos.
In a chat with Radio One at the end of a two day review meeting in Ikeja, WaterAid Nigeria Lagos Team Lead, Dr Adebayo Alao, appealed to the Lagos State government to use WASH projects executed by the NGO as a model to other locations, noting that their interventions across the state are time bound.
“The challenge of maintaining water and sanitation facilities is a pressing concern that requires a collective effort from stakeholders. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of these facilities is crucial for their continued functionality and benefits to the community. By working together and taking a proactive approach to maintenance, stakeholders can ensure the facilities function effectively and provide benefits to users for years to come.This collaborative effort can also attract further investment and support from donors, enabling the project to expand and reach more communities”
Also stated, Dr Alao emphasized the need for every Nigerian to have attitudinal change to Hygiene Behavioral changes to prevent spread of diseases and promote good hygiene.
On his part, a WASH officer with WaterAid Nigeria, Mr Bamikole Adegbite, advised stakeholders’ who are government representatives to prevent projects from vandals and ensure adequate maintenance beyond the project years.
“The sustainability and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities in schools are crucial for delivering long-lasting benefits to users. Community members, school administrators, and users of the facilities are working together to ensure that the facilities are well-maintained and continue to provide benefits” he noted.
“The community must recognize the importance of maintaining the facilities to ensure they continue to provide benefits to users. User fees are seen as a key component of sustainability, as they provide a steady stream of revenue to support maintenance”
Bamikole said Stakeholders’ who participated in group work recommended solutions to challenges identified in ensuring sustainability of WASH projects in Lagos and promised to extend knowledge gained to others in the WASH sector.
“Good maintenance practices, community education, and user fees are being implemented to promote a sense of ownership among community members”.
“By limiting alternative uses of the facilities, such as playing football, and promoting a sense of responsibility among users, the community aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities. The goal is to create a system where the facilities are well-maintained and continue to provide benefits to users for years to come”
Cummins representatives at the review meeting commended stakeholders’ for their resilience and energy brought forward in the engagement to ensure sustainability of WASH projects in Lagos which they noted will spur them more on the charity work.
Some of the government representatives include teams from Education Districts, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Community Development Associations, Special Correctional Boys and girls Schools and as well selected public schools in Lagos.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada