The Network of Water Rights Initiative (NEWARI) has been selected to serve on the Enugu State Task Force Group on Sanitation (STGS), a crucial platform constituted by the state government through the Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENRUWASA) to drive sustainable WASH interventions and accelerate progress towards achieving an Open Defecation Free status (ODF) across all local governments in Enugu State.
This opportunity reflects our longstanding commitment to advocating for human right to clean and safe water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH), while also strengthening our role as a key stakeholder in shaping policies and programs that promote equitable access to WASH services across all communities in the state.
The State Task Force Group on Sanitation (STGS) plays a pivotal role in coordinating and validating ODF initiatives in line with both the National and State ODF Protocols. As a member of this task force, NEWARI will bring its expertise in advocacy, research, and grassroots mobilization to support and enhance the government’s efforts in achieving sustainable sanitation for all, ensuring health security.
Through our involvement in the STGS, we will:
- Advocate for WASH as a Fundamental Human Right: Ensuring that access to clean water and sanitation is prioritized as a right, not a privilege.
- Support the Enugu State ODF initiatives: Working closely with ENRUWASA and other stakeholders to accelerate the elimination of open defecation in all local governments and communities.
- Monitor and Drive Policy Implementation: Strengthening accountability in the execution of sanitation policies and programs.
- Promote Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Approaches: Mobilizing communities to take ownership of their sanitation needs and sustain behavior change.
- Enhance Multi-Sectoral Partnerships: Building collaborations between the government, civil society, and private sector for improved sanitation infrastructure and services.
The fight against poor sanitation and water insecurity is far from over, but this new role within the Enugu State Task Force on Sanitation represents a significant step towards ensuring that every individual in Enugu State has access to safe, dignified, and sustainable sanitation services.
We remain committed to holding duty-bearers accountable, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the push for a cleaner, healthier Enugu State.
As we embark on this journey with the state government and the broader WASH community, we invite all stakeholders to join us in advancing sanitation reforms, enforcing hygiene standards, and achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for Enugu State.
#WaterIsAHumanRight #SanitationForAll #ODFEnugu #NEWARI #WASHAdvocacy #EnuguState
