More than 137 communities are beginning to benefit from a $20 million fund. The fund is designed to provide clean water and infrastructure for 24,592 households and 200,000 people. Andrew Dunn, Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, gave the presentation titled ‘Waterfalls’ at the Stakeholder Workshop on Watershed Conservation for Safe and Sustainable Water Supply’ in Calabar.
He said the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will award the grant for five years from 2022 to 2027.
Dunn said the programme will increase water security and resilience in these communities. He affirmed that the Wildlife Conservation Society works with Partners for Development to implement the fund.
He said he would continue to support the construction of canals, wells and toilets to reduce open defecation. These constructions are reportedly common in some communities.
Explaining the essence of the workshop, Dunn said-
“The Waterfall programme is aimed at strengthening long-term access to safe water and reducing levels of waterborne disease by supporting community-based watershed governance and sanitation, and protecting watershed sources through conserving forest and woodland ecosystems.”
The country director was worried about the declining water quality, which is a global issue.
The programme, according to him, will address five key problems. They include insecure and inequitable access to safe drinking water due to the loss and degradation of important watersheds.
The workshop frowned at the wastage of water and condemned open defecations. It also discussed the emptying of wastes into gutters and the use of contaminants without adequate water care.
Stakeholders at the workshop, including traditional rulers, appealed for more and safer water sources to avert outbreaks of cholera and dehydration. As well as the provision of more boreholes in more communities.
A senior official of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr Imong Inayom, advised that governments also should collaborate in the area of water sources and supply as well as protection of the forests.
Furthermore, he said several communities have been earmarked to benefit from solar-powered boreholes. He also assured that with more funding, they will continue to support communities with safe water sources and training for alternative economic sources.
cc: Daily Post Ng
