57 million Nigerians have no access to portable water — USAID

THE Mission Director, United State Agency for International Development (USAID), Stephen M. Haykin has said that over 57 million Nigerians have no access to portable water in the country.

This was even as he said one million Nigerians children died yearly from lack of portable water

He made this known on Thursday during the   launch of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Kaduna.

To this end, he said the USAID is supporting the programme with 2.5 million Dollars to enable Nigerians have access to portable.

“Having a clean water and sanitation is very essential for the development of a healthy society”. He said.

Earlier, WASH project Coordinator, Timeyin Uwejamomere, said the project is expected to last to November 2018, adding that it will primarily target urban areas and focus the States of Bauchi and Kaduna.

He said this was because the respective State government has demonstrated firm commitment to the water sector.

He said, “This is why we established a country office in the city of Kaduna, and last month a satellite office was opened in Bauchi.

“The programme will strengthen institutions as well as research and knowledge management to support urban water, sanitation and hygiene”.

In his speech on the occasion, Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-rufai who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Malam Bashir Saidu said when the Zaria water work is completed; it will provide 150 million liters of water for the populace every day.

Also, the Bauchi State governor,  Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar regretted that the influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the State have increased the demand for water supply at the expense of    original supply.

He therefore pledged the commitment and political Will of his government to ensure the success of the project.