NEWARI – Charges Newly Elected Local Government Chairs to Prioritize Access to Clean Water and Sanitation
Enugu, Nigeria – The Network of Water Rights Initiative (NEWARI) congratulates the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in Enugu State on their recent election victories. As they begin their tenures. Â NEWARI urges them to key into the disruptive developmental agenda of the State Governor by making access to clean water and sanitation a top priority in their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter N. Mbah on December 22, 2023, signed Executive Order 006 – Order for Open Defecation Free Enugu and Other Related Matters in Enugu Metropolis and the State. This Executive Order demonstrates a clear vision, interest and political will of the state government to achieving sustainable open defecation-free status across Enugu State. The Order mandates the provision of accessible toilets and handwashing facilities in all households and public places, including schools, hospitals, and market places.
In addition to the Executive Order 006, the state government has successfully mobilized the previous Local Government Administrators to pass ODF bye-laws whilst also launching the Enugu State Water Sector Law, 2021 that recognizes access to water and sanitation as human right.
To sustain these gains and facilitate more sustainable development in Enugu State water and sanitation sector, NEWARI calls on the newly elected Chairmen to:
- Enforce LGA ODF Bye-Laws: Ensure effective implementation of the Bye-Law Against Open Defecation in each LGA, with appropriate sanctions and penalties.
- Standard Inclusive Sanitation Facilities: Incorporate construction of standard inclusive sanitation facilities into development projects.
- Collaboration with WASH Office: Work closely with the WASH Office of the Ministry of Water Resources to implement Executive Order 006.
- Adequate budgetary allocation: Allocate sufficient budgets for WASH initiatives.
- Community Engagement and Ownership: Engage with communities, grassroots organizations and development partners to promote behavioral change within communities and facilitate ownership of WASH projects in their respective communities.
By prioritizing access to clean water and sanitation, the newly elected Chairmen can significantly improve the health, well-being, and economic productivity of their constituents.
Contact: Ikenna Ugwu
Communications Director, NEWARI
+234 806 535 3686
