Climate change is drastically altering the world we live in. Climate change poses significant risks to sanitation infrastructure and services, particularly in vulnerable communities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report in 2022 confirms that global warming is projected to intensify the global water cycle and, in doing so, directly impact sanitation systems. This will further hamper progress on SDG6 and undermine the health and well-being of billions of people. Today, an estimated 113 million Nigerians lack access to basic sanitation services and most of these people live in water-stressed or flood-prone areas, a problem that is increasing due to climate change.
Households that have gained access to basic sanitation services risk losing them during climate-related disasters, changes in climate patterns and sea level rise, unless due consideration and diligence are undertaken to inform design and development of such systems, taking into account mitigation of potential risks and shocks.
The Intersection of Climate Change and Sanitation:
Climate change affects sanitation in several ways:
- Increased flooding: Floods could damage sanitation infrastructures, contaminating water sources and escalating the risk of disease spread.
- Drought and water scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns impact sanitation services. Water is key to realizing a decent toilet. With droughts and water scarcity, it is increasingly difficult to get access to a clean and decent toilet.
3. Displacement and migration: Climate-related displacement strains sanitation infrastructure and services. This is evident in most displaced camps where hundreds or thousands of people displaced from their homes struggle to access limited toilet facilities, where it exists.
The 5th episode of the #EnuguWASHRadioSeries focused on Climate-resilient WASH services and facilities. To deepen the discourse around this topical issue, our guests shared insights on integrating climate-resilient considerations into the state sanitation policies. This came at a crucial time when Enugu State is in the process of developing its policies.
The Resource Persons on the programme included Hon. Princess Eneh, Member representing Enugu South Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly & House Committee Chair on Water Resources, as well as Dr. Ebere Udeh, an Environmentalist and former National Secretary, Nigeria Environmental Society.
Both Resource Persons provided insights on how the Enugu State government can sustainably integrate climate-resilient technologies and standards into Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) facilities and services. Dr. Ebere emphasized the need for adequate regulation to ensure climate-resilient standards are set and met for WASH facilities in the state. She stressed that:
The Enugu Water Sector Law, 2021 has already made the provision for a WASH regulatory body to be established in the state.
She urged the Governor to prioritize the implementation of this provision of the state water law, if the government is genuinely interested in leaving a legacy of sustainable and climate-resilient WASH systems in the state.
On the other hand, the State Legislator stated that her committee worked closely with the state ministry of water resources in planning and drafting the state WASH budget for 2024. She emphasized that as a Representative of Rural Constituency, she ensured the rural constituents were not left behind in the State’s 2024 WASH budget and committed to following up to ensure budgeted funds are released for rural WASH interventions in the state.
Tune in to join the discussion every Friday on Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu by 9AM (GMT+1).
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The Enugu WASH Radio Series is brought to you by Network of Water Rights Initiative with support from WaterAid Nigeria.
