Cleanliness is next to Godliness, Benue Govt. seems to say, as it collaborates with UNICEF on rural hygiene projects
The Benue State government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has executed water, sanitation and hygiene projects in selected local government areas in the State, to provide basic amenities for rural dwellers.
The projects include toilet facilities and boreholes at Ugbokpo main market in Apa, Ogbodo-Iyeche in Oju, Ihugh in Vandeikya, Mbagwa Community in Ushongo, Adi-Etulo in Buruku and Ugbor in Gwer East LGAs.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Ugwu Odoh, who led a team from Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA) on an inspection tour on Saturday – earlier today, March 22 – said the state government released the sum of ₦700 million as a counterpart fund for the implementation of the projects, explaining that the inspection tour was to ensure that contractors handling the projects adhered to specifications.
He pointed out that the target of the government is for the whole State to attain an open defecation-free (ODF) status, enthusing that 11 LGAs had already been certified ODF.
Odoh reminded the benefiting communities that Gov. Hyacinth Alia was fulfilling his campaign promises of prioritising their basic needs, urging them to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism.
In his remarks, BERWASSA’s General Manager, Mr Tony Mkpen, thanked the Governor for his relentless efforts and their partners, UNICEF, for also tirelessly working to safeguard the lives of rural dwellers with basic amenities.
In Apa Local Government Area, the council chairman, Mr Adam Ogwola, expressed gratitude to the State government for selecting the council area to benefit from the intervention.
The Ogbodo-Iyeche community leader, Mr Ukpe Omoga, recalled the difficulty faced by people of the community due to water scarcity before the current intervention by the government and its development partners, and appreciated the Governor for bringing succour to the community. (NAN)
