It is no longer news that Enugu State, Nigeria has been faced with perennial water poverty for decades.

According to the 2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Survey (WASHNORM), 74% of Enugu’s population drink water that is contaminated at the source or household level, and 48% practice open defecation. These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in the state.

A Step Towards Change
The present government of Enugu State has committed to change this ugly narrative of persistent water poverty in the state through disruptive WASH interventions.

One of such steps taken by the state government to address this anomaly and human rights violation is the review of the Enugu State WASH Policy, in line with the African Sanitation Policy Guideline (ASPG).

As the review of the Enugu State WASH Policy progresses, Network of Water Rights Initiative [NEWARI], with support from WaterAid Nigeria is hosting an 8-weeks Call-in Radio Series to create awareness and facilitate public participation for an inclusive WASH Policy. The Radio Series which will last for eight weeks will host relevant WASH stakeholders including government representatives, civil society organizations, community leaders, and the media representatives among others in an interactive dialogue about the current status and future of WASH services delivery in Enugu State. This eight-week series, airing one episode per week, will not only inform listeners about the ongoing policy review but also encourage active participation in shaping an  inclusive, robust and responsive WASH policy framework for the state.

Why the Radio Series Matters

The importance of this radio series cannot be overstated. It comes at a critical time when the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with development partners and civil society organizations, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Enugu State WASH Policy, 2019. Despite previous efforts, existing policies still fall short in addressing the challenges posed by modern realities such as global pandemics and climate change.

The radio series will play a key role in Enugu State WASH Policy review process by:

Raising Awareness: Many residents are unaware of the severity of WASH issues in their communities or the ongoing efforts to address them. This radio program will shed light on the challenges and highlight the importance of a strong WASH policy in improving and  sustaining living conditions across Enugu State.

Facilitating Inclusive Dialogue: The success of any policy hinges on the inclusion of all voices in the decision-making process. By providing a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and concerns, the radio series will ensure that the revised WASH policy reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire community.

Encouraging Public Participation: Effective policies are those that are shaped by the people they are meant to serve. This series will not only inform listeners about the policy review process but also invite them to actively participate by providing feedback and suggestions, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility amongst residents.

Aligning Policies with Global Standards: The African Sanitation Policy Guidelines offer a roadmap for countries to develop and strengthen their sanitation policies. This series will explore how these guidelines can be adapted to the unique context of Enugu State, helping to create a WASH policy that is both comprehensive and in line with global best practice.

Episode 1
The Radio Programme, which kicked off on Friday 23rd August 2024 with its maiden episode featured the Commissioner for Water Resources, Prof. Felix Nnamani and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Relations, Hon. Anthony Dubem Onyia. The discourse focused on the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Enugu State WASH Policy. It was also a leapfrog opportunity for the Resource Persons to share insights about the ongoing water supply projects across the state, whilst interacting and responding to questions from the populace. The Commissioner for water resources emphasized during the maiden edition of the programme that the government is not resting on its oars until  potable water reaches the ‘last man’ in Enugu metropolis.

Tune in to join us every Friday, 9AM (GMT+1) on Solid 100.9FM to contribute and listen to insights from this WASH Radio series.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Enugu State, where access to clean water, decent toilets, and hygiene services is a reality for all.

Let us seize this opportunity to drive meaningful change in the WASH sector and create a brighter future for our communities. Tune in and let your voice be heard!