The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is poised to enhance water supply and sanitation in Zamfara State, according to Dr. Maryam Said, the Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office. Speaking at a consultation meeting with state government officials and stakeholders on the water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector policy in the state, Dr. Said highlighted the project’s objective of improving access to quality water and sanitation services in Zamfara State.
The meeting, which was held in Gusau, follows the approval of the WSS policy by Governor Dauda Lawal and was deemed timely by Dr. Said. She expressed concern over the fact that 35% of the state’s population currently lacks access to improved water sources. Additionally, 64.7% of the people in Zamfara State are deprived of improved sanitation services, making it one of the states with the highest sanitation deficit.
UNICEF is working in close collaboration with the state government and various social sectors, including the water sector, to address the needs of women and children through the implementation of relevant policies. Dr. Said expressed gratitude to the stakeholders in attendance, who represented different ministries, departments, and agencies of the state government, for their valuable contributions during the meeting.
The meeting was also an opportunity for Alhaji Yazeed Attahiru, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry for Budget and Planning, to extend his appreciation to UNICEF for their support through various programs. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for development partners, ultimately fostering the overall development of Zamfara State.
UNICEF’s efforts to promote water supply and sanitation in Zamfara State are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the population, particularly women and children who are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to clean water and sanitation services. Through collaboration with the state government and stakeholders, UNICEF aims to address these critical needs and improve the living conditions and well-being of the people in the state.
