The Bauchi State Government, through its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commenced the implementation of a comprehensive Water Safety Plan in 50 communities across Toro Local Government Area.
Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, Water Quality and Control Officer at RUWASSA, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Bauchi.
Abdullahi explained that the initiative is designed to raise awareness about safe water handling from the point of collection to storage, with the goal of increasing access to clean drinking water.
“We are currently working in Toro Local Government Area, implementing water safety plans in 50 communities,” he stated.
The project adopts a demonstration-based approach to effectively educate households on best practices in water handling and environmental sanitation.
He noted that since January, UNICEF has provided more than 200 water testing kits to support the exercise.
“These kits allow us to show the difference between clean and contaminated water. This helps communities understand the importance of hygiene and water safety,” he said.
Abdullahi emphasized the need for community ownership of water facilities to sustain hygiene practices and improve environmental sanitation.
He also recalled that in 2024, UNICEF distributed 45 kilograms of chlorine to each of Bauchi’s 20 Local Government Areas to aid emergency responses, particularly during flooding events.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the state with chlorine supplies. The LGAs still have chlorine stock, and whenever more is needed, RUWASSA ensures immediate delivery,” he added.
Abdullahi further revealed that plans are underway to conduct refresher training for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) desk officers across the state, with a focus on treating water from hand-dug boreholes.
“This training will expose officers to global best practices and better equip them to conduct effective water safety campaigns,” he said.
Addressing challenges, he identified poor household storage practices as a major source of water contamination. However, he commended communities that have shown exemplary compliance with safety protocols.
“Communities in Bogoro LGA, for example, have done exceptionally well. For the past three years, they’ve recorded zero suspected cholera cases. They strictly avoid laundry or animal activity near water collection points and carry out regular sanitation exercises.”
In a separate interview, Ms. Nanbam Dawap, UNICEF WASH Officer in Bauchi, confirmed that borehole rehabilitation is ongoing in several communities to improve access to safe drinking water.
She added that UNICEF also promotes hygiene by distributing essential hygiene kits, including menstrual pads and detergents.
Dawap emphasized UNICEF’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen emergency response systems and expand access to clean and safe water for all.
