The Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah in his keynote speech highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated approach to WASH interventions in the state.
By Archibong Jeremiah
The Cross River State Government has taken a bold step towards addressing critical challenges in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector with the inauguration of the State Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (STG WASH). The event, in collaboration with Self Help Africa (SHA), the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) held at Hogis Luxury Suites, State Housing Estate, Calabar.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah in his keynote speech highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated approach to WASH interventions in the state.
Elated Mensah asserted that “The establishment of STG WASH is a strategic move to ensure effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH programmes in Cross River State. This is in recognition of the pivotal role WASH plays in public health, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability,” he stated.
National And Global Alignment
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, applauded the state for aligning with national efforts to address WASH challenges. “This task group mirrors the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), a proven model for effective policy formulation, advocacy, and capacity building,” Pheelangwah said.
Pheelangwah represented by Mrs Ayaba Kogbara, Deputy Director of Hygiene and Promotion praised Cross River State for its historic achievements, including producing Nigeria’s first Open Defecation-Free (ODF) local government area, while urging stakeholders to do more to eliminate open defecation and achieve universal WASH access.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource optimization, and community engagement, urging stakeholders to leverage STG WASH as a platform to address WASH-related gaps and challenges. “This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all,” he added.
The General Manager of Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Honourable Oko Sunday Ebeku, stressed the importance of teamwork, accountability, and innovation in achieving the task group’s mandate. “We must work together to increase access to clean water, improve sanitation facilities, and promote global hygiene best practices,” Ebeku said. He expressed gratitude to development partners, including UNICEF, WHO, and Self-Help Africa, for their unwavering support in developing the state’s WASH sector.
Looking Ahead
Mrs Joy Aderele, Country Director of Self Help Africa, represented by Mr Dorgu Ebiye said the organization is currently working in Cross River, Benue and Kan states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
She called for all hands to be on deck to ensure Cross River State returns back to its glory days.
The event concluded with a call to action for the newly inaugurated task group members. They were charged with driving WASH reforms, strengthening institutional frameworks, and promoting community-led initiatives to achieve a state-wide ODF status and universal WASH access.
The launch of STG WASH is seen as a significant milestone in Cross River State’s efforts to combat WASH challenges, improve public health, and promote environmental sustainability. With strong collaboration and commitment, the state is poised to set a national example in achieving sustainable WASH solutions.
The State Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene is made up of 45 members led by a chairman, vice chairman and secretary. It is comprised of top government officials and development partners (PWDs, NEWSAN, WASH Media Network, and religious and community leaders.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, NGOs, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to chart a course toward sustainable WASH services in the state.
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