The Plateau Ministry of Water Resources and Energy on Tuesday highlighted key achievements in the water sector and reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion at the 2026 World Water Day celebration.
Plateau Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Mr Bashir Datti, described this year’s theme, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” as apt.
Datti said the theme underscores the critical link between water access, management, and inclusive participation, particularly for women and girls.
The commissioner, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Lohnan Gambo, noted that the state government has made significant progress in improving access to safe and reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
According to him, the development of an implementation plan for gender mainstreaming in the water sector law is a major step toward institutionalising gender inclusion in water governance.
He emphasised that women play a central role in water use and management at the household level and should therefore be actively involved in decision-making processes in the sector.
Datti further said that the appointment of a woman to head the newly established Plateau State Water Sector Regulatory Commission reflects the government’s commitment to gender inclusion in water governance and project implementation.
The commissioner highlighted key achievements, including the rehabilitation and upgrade of major water treatment plants, a solar-powered water supply system at Mado in Tudun Wada, and the expansion of water distribution networks to underserved communities.
He added that the ministry has also implemented the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme in five local government areas to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services across urban, small-town, and rural communities.
Datti said the ministry is strengthening community-based water management systems and deepening collaboration with development partners to mobilise resources and technical support.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable water access and promoting women’s participation in water resource management across the state.
Earlier, Mrs Stella Buge, Acting Executive Director of the Plateau State Water Sector Regulatory Commission, said the commission and the ministry remain committed to achieving their mandate.
Buge said the commission is working to ensure equitable water access and that women’s voices are heard at every stage of water resource management and governance.
World Water Day is commemorated annually on March 22.
