Ekiti State Government has assured that it would continue to take proactive steps towards improving water supply , sanitation and Hygiene services with the ultimate aim of reducing the prevalence
of water borne diseases in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Mobolaji Aluko who gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti while featuring on a live radio programme to mark the 2023 World Water Day, urged citizens and residents of the State to be part of the process to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 which states that everyone must have access to safely managed Water and Sanitation by 2030.
Noting that the theme for this year’s World Water Day Celebration: “Accelerating Change To Solve Water and Sanitation Crisis” could not have come at a better time, the Special Adviser
urged citizens and residents of the State to strictly follow the policy of ‘one house, one toilet’ and avoiding open defecation and other unhealthy practices that could contaminate the under ground water sources.
Aluko who stated that communal efforts would be required towards
achieving the set target , advised that all under ground water
sources be protected stressing that people should always observe a long distance between water sources and soak away pits or burial sites .
He identified open defecation as a major factor in the spread of E
coli Bacteria in Nigeria, charging Ekiti people to make Sanitation and Hygiene part of their daily practices.
Aluko identified poor supply of electricity as a major challenge affecting free flow of pipe borne water from the major water
schemes in the state adding that efforts are in top gear to find a lasting solution to it.
The high point of the World Water Day celebration in the state was a community engagement/ sensitization forum
organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities at
Ago Aduloju community in Ado Local Government Area of the State, where officials of the Ministry sensitized residents on achieving
good behavioral change on water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene
practices.
Officials also sensitized stakeholders in the community on the importance of Improved Sanitation and Hygiene, as well as awareness on water quality test and behavioral change in curtailing the scourge of open defecation.
The results analysis of water samples taken in the community was also reviewed with the stakeholders and their under ground water was also treated
In attendance at the 2023 World Water Day Celebration were top officials of the Ministry, Ekiti Water and Sewerage Company, Ekiti Rural Water Supply and
Sanitation Agency, Ekiti Water Supply and Regulatory Agency,
NGOs(NEWSAN), Borehole Drillers Association, the State Programme
Implementation Unit (SURWASH) and Stakeholders from Ago Aduloju
Community.
Oyerinde Yetunde Oluwafunke
Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities.