Abuja (Federal Ministry of Water Resources Report) – The Nigerian Government has flagged off a National Water Supply and Sanitation Data Survey towards enhancing the performance tracking system for the water supply and sanitation sub-sector.
While speaking at the flag – off ceremony organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja lately, the Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Reng Ochekpe represented by the Permanent Secretary, Istifanus Musa said that the objective of the survey was to have updated information system on all public water supply and sanitation facilities as well as ascertain the percentage of the population which has access to improved sources of water supply and sanitation.
She further noted that the survey is yet another milestone which Government intends to utilise to enhance the delivery of qualitative water services to Nigerians. Istifanus Musa noted that the exercise would enable the Ministry to take stock of achievements under the MDGs targets for water and sanitation as well as provide solid foundations for sustainable development goals.
“All the efforts made so far in establishing water supply and sanitation data which have resulted in different figures need to be harmonized by all stakeholders to enable us have a common platform for reporting the progress of the sector,” she said.
Sarah Reng Ochekpe informed that in 2006 – 2007, the Ministry carried out the first – ever national baseline survey for water supply and sanitation in the 36 States and the FCT, saying the survey being flagged-off now is to build on the pool of data that was established from the baseline survey. She also called on all States’ Executive Governors and Chairmen of the Local Government Councils to provide the necessary support that would make the survey exercise a success in their areas.
The Water Resources Minister commended all the key stakeholders, particularly the National Bureau of Statistics, World Bank, AFDB, AFD, UNICEF, EU and WaterAid for their efforts in developing the data base.
In his remarks at the event, the World Bank representative, Hassan Kida (Engr) stated that the World Bank has supported the development of data survey for the sector since 2007. He added that the database would be used to identify locations and the operational status of water supply and sanitation facilities and also determine the national access to improved water supply and basic sanitation.
He called on all stakeholders to develop a robust database that would be acceptable. “Try and develop a database that will give the people of this country information that is accurate and government can rely on it while developing policies in the water sector,” the Minister espoused.
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